Join Us for Advocacy Academy and ESOP Advocacy Day at National Conference. It’s Important AND Fun

The most common comments I hear from ESOP Advocacy Day attendees before participating are some version of “I’m not sure what to do/say” or “It’s a little intimidating.”

The most common refrains I hear after Advocacy Day: “This was easy and really fun” and “I can’t wait to do it again next year!”  I encourage you to join ESOP Advocacy Day whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it for years.

I understand the concerns people may have about walking into a congressional office, telling your story, and asking a stranger for support.  You might wonder, “What do they even know about ESOPs?”  “What if they ask questions and I don’t know the answer?”  “What if I say (or someone in my group) says something ‘wrong’?”  Sometimes people can mistake advocacy’s importance for it also being complicated or delicate.  After taking literally thousands of meetings over 25 years on Capitol Hill with nearly every type of individual or group, let me reassure you -- it’s honestly pretty hard to mess

Elected officials and their staff are generally hard working, well meaning, and want to help.  They have perhaps a dozen meetings like yours daily and are typically interested in your story (though it helps if it’s told succinctly).  They want to know about your business, your experience as an employee owner, and how they can help.  The ESOP Association’s Advocacy Academy is going to give you the training, tools, and tricks to ensure you’re successful – both what to do and what NOT to do.

The dual track Advocacy Academy has returned in 2024, with a basic or beginner level for any first-time participants or those who just want a basic refresher, and also a more advanced or experienced level for those looking to expand to year-round advocacy efforts.  In the introductory track you’ll get background on what to expect in a congressional office, thoughts on storytelling and how to use social media for advocacy and review the efforts the Association is promoting. In the advanced track, you’ll get a bit deeper exposure to ways you can continue advocacy throughout the year – ESOP PAC or hosting an elected official at your company, for example.  The advanced track is ideal for chapter advocacy officers, Public Policy Council members, ESOP Ambassadors, and others who are willing to engage throughout the year.  Both tracks will spend time preparing on the issues and everyone will have a chance to practice their advocacy pitch for ESOP Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 8th.

In either case, you’ll be able to ask questions of experts and TEA staff, and with resources and a practice session in hand, you’ll be fully ready and prepared for a day on Capitol Hill.

Plus, we’re offering a $250 discount off the National Conference registration price for the first 300 people who sign up for and participate in Advocacy Academy. That means if you sign up before April 18, you can attend all National Conference programs and activities for only $625!

We hope to see you at Advocacy Academy and Advocacy Day in May.