Advocacy isn't just for business owners. It's for anyone who cares about their community. IRC Founder Bobby Stuckey shared his remarkable approach to making inroads with legislators during the pandemic and these principles remain as relevant today as we enter 2025 with a new Congress. We've captured them for you here, along with summaries of all of the IRC's policy priorities.

Whether you're speaking to your local representative or someone in Congress, here's how you can make your voice heard:

• Be Personal -- Share your story. Facts and figures are important, but what really sticks with lawmakers are the personal stories of people in their communities. Authentic stories from constituents carry even more weight than statistics.
• Be Clear -- Know what you want to say. Stick to two or three key points. The simpler and more direct your message, the more effective it'll be.
• Be Persistent -- Don't expect change overnight. Follow up, build relationships, and be patient---these things take time, but persistence pays off. Building these relationships is crucial for our industry's success. 

Click on the image below for a step-by-step guide to make your outreach to Members of Congress easy!