I recently returned from the
Congressional conference in Washington DC (the other Washington) and it was the
usual bittersweet trip. You see fellow
members, I am aggravated by politics, but I feel compelled to act. I can’t sit on the sidelines. I just wonder at times, as you do, whether it
matters.
Make no mistake though, our
efforts are effective. Visiting with our
Senators and Congressmen/women, especially those who fundamentally disagree
with us, makes a difference. I’ve
experienced a change in the attitude and demeanor of many staff aides and at
least some legislators. It’s much harder
to dislike and dismiss us once we’ve met multiple times over several years. I know it seems like we’ve lost some battles,
but we would be far worse off without the advocacy effort.
Our membership numbers are not
where we would like them and that certainly causes angst, but the team of
professionals representing us in the nation’s capital is more effective than
ever. We also have representation in every congressional district across the
country. Don’t fret over membership
numbers. Instead celebrate the largest PAC
in the insurance industry! IFAPAC is the
gas in the advocacy car. IFAPAC is alive
and well, and it’s protecting our livelihood.
It is the answer to any objection from a member or prospective member
who questions the viability of our association or wonders what’s in it for
them.
I definitely believe we are on
the right track with the PAC & initiatives like One Washington. One Washington will streamline and centralize
our functions, smooth out the member experience, and emphasize our most
important function; advocacy. I may
grouse about the other Washington, but I will resist the urge to give in as
long as it matters.
Richard Miller
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