ISAE recently launched its first Interactive Insights session, bringing association professionals together for a candid conversation on government affairs and advocacy. The discussion was facilitated by Katie Feltman, CAE, CEO of the American College of Sports Medicine, along with Monte Ward, ACSM’s Vice President of Governmental Relations.

The session focused less on formal presentations and more on shared experience. Participants openly discussed where their organizations currently stand on advocacy efforts, what challenges they are facing, and how they are thinking about engagement moving forward.

One thing became clear quickly. Associations approach advocacy very differently. Some organizations have well-developed government affairs programs integrated into their work year-round. Others are more reactive or are still trying to determine what role advocacy should play within their mission.

Several themes emerged throughout the discussion.

Key Takeaways

Relationships still matter most

Participants emphasized the value of personal relationships with legislators and policymakers. In many cases, members themselves can be the strongest advocates because they already have trusted local connections.

Many organizations struggle between reactive and proactive advocacy

Several attendees shared that their organizations often engage only when an issue becomes urgent. Building a more proactive approach remains a challenge, especially with limited staff time and resources.

Education and advocacy are closely connected

The group discussed how education can play an important role in advocacy efforts. Helping policymakers understand an industry or profession is often the first step toward stronger engagement.

Speed matters

Government affairs issues can move quickly. Participants noted that board approval processes and internal decision-making structures can sometimes make it difficult for associations to respond in real time.

Collaboration creates opportunities

Attendees discussed the benefits of partnering with national organizations, coalitions, and peer groups to strengthen advocacy efforts and share resources.

Questions Associations Are Still Navigating

The conversation also raised several important questions for organizations to consider:

• What level of advocacy makes sense for our mission and membership?
• Are we educating our board on what advocacy and lobbying actually mean?
• How do we balance member expectations with limited staff capacity?
• Are we engaging only our members, or also thinking about the broader communities and clients they serve?

One of the strongest reminders from the session was that advocacy does not always have to begin with a large government affairs program. Sometimes it starts with education, relationship-building, and helping members feel comfortable sharing their expertise and experiences.

Thank you to Katie Feltman, CAE, and Monte Ward for leading the discussion and creating an open space for peer learning and idea-sharing.

ISAE’s Interactive Insights series continues throughout the year with upcoming conversations on membership and non-dues revenue trends, AI in associations, and sponsor prospectuses.

This summary was created through the use of generative AI.