#advocacysoftware

At Muster, we’ve worked with both association and nonprofit professionals, learning about how they engage their members and supporters in their legislative and lobbying efforts.

 As we speak with more professionals and learn about the ups-and-downs they face with their advocacy work, the more we understand how significant the method is that they use to execute their advocacy strategy. Take a look at these four reasons why using an online advocacy service can improve your method to approaching advocacy:

Saves you time. If you are a member of an organization with a small staff size, then you’re experienced in juggling multiple projects at once and assuming many different responsibilities to best serve your association. You don’t have the time to dedicate hours and days to crafting and executing an advocacy strategy. An integrated advocacy platform will streamline and automate your advocacy needs, saving you time and allowing you to be more efficient in your day-to-day duties.

Increases your productivity. You don’t have time to waste copying-and-pasting email addresses from spreadsheets to send out an email blast. As mentioned above, advocacy programs do the legwork for you- saving you time and subsequently allowing you to be more productive and efficient in all other areas of your job.

Saves your organization money. Successfully engaging your membership in an important legislative push is priceless. Unfortunately, membership-driven advocacy campaigns do come at a price, and depending on the way you get there, the price tag can be hefty. Luckily, you have options regarding advocacy platforms and some, like Muster, have affordable pricing for any organization regardless of size and budget. Look into acquiring a powerful platform, and consider taking your advocacy strategy in-house. 

Saves your industry/cause money. Often, certain legislation can result in thousands, if not millions, of dollars lost in the industry your association or organization defends. Investing in a software solution to ramp up advocacy efforts is worth it when considering the potential costs to your organization should you have an unsuccessful advocacy season.

The internet, smart phones, and emerging social media channels are all influencing how citizens and organizations relate to their legislators and participate in politics. The government affairs space has been inundated with new technologies, both in the hands of voters and elected officials themselves. In terms of government relations and advocacy, these new tools are providing a meaningful way for associations and other advocacy groups to amplify their voices.  

This increased access to new technologies is changing the very landscape that lobbyists have dominated for decades. The continued adoption of online government relations tools and advocacy software is shifting the dynamics between cause-oriented organizations, associations and elected officials.

With advocacy technology, the unified voice of many members in an organization can be just as powerful as a lobbyist, acting on behalf of the organization. 

Emerging technology, and this type of digital advocacy, is redirecting the power back in the hands of constituents, allowing them to move the needle, digitally. In turn, an active membership not only boosts the organization’s voice and visibility in the political scene, but the organization can become a key player in politics. If your association is currently working with a lobbyist, consider supplementing lobbying efforts with a comprehensive member-driven outreach program with advocacy software. Connecting your membership to their legislators is a powerful way to spread your message, and a meaningful way to influence policy.

If your organization is looking to invest in advocacy efforts, consider the importance of engaging and including your membership in legislative initiatives. Policymakers are elected to construct policy and represent their voters through their work, and they rely on outside expertise and opinions of constituents. For professional associations specifically, effectively communicating to lawmakers about the concerns of your membership is powerful. Elected officials learn from communications and advocacy campaigns and only members know best about what is affecting their profession or industry personally.