Advocate

We Need Co-sponsors!

We expect this bill to garner bipartisan support, but this support won't happen unless members of Congress hear from their constituents. THAT'S YOU! You are a co-op supporter and a constituent, and you need to tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor the National Cooperative Development Act. 

Here's what you do:

1. Read the Bill, and the Talking Points

National Cooperative Development Act

Talking Points for Rural Districts

Talking Points for Urban Districts

Fact Sheet from Congressman Fattah

2. Call your Representative's office and make an appointment for a visit.

Find your Representative's contact info at https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
The sooner you can meet with them, the better. We need strong support from co-sponsors.
Call the local office, and ask to speak with the staffperson who works on small business, and economic development issues.

3. Talk to us - Let us know about your planned meeting - we can help you prepare.

Email the Advocacy Coordinator - Peter Frank at info@campaign.coop

or NCBA's Director of Public Policy - R.L. Condra at rcondra@ncba.coop
 

4. At the Meeting - ASK THEM TO BE A CO-SPONSOR!

Tell them about your co-op, make it personal to you and their district! Use the talking points to highlight the impact co-ops can have in their district. Tell them how the National Cooperative Development Act would help their district. Bring a copy of the Dear Colleague Letter and the Legislation itself to leave with them.

Be polite: Whether it is a Member or a staff person, always be polite.
Be succinct: The members and staff are very busy so get to the point and be brief.
Be specific: Ask them to co-sponsor the National Cooperative Development Act
Be relevant: Explain how the National Cooperative Development Act will help constituents in the district (use the talking points).

Be credible: Be an informed advocate, and if you don’t know something, be honest and tell them you will get back to them with the information.
Make a brief record: Take a moment to jot down the person’s name, contact information, the important points from the meeting, and any requests for information.
Follow-up: Following up after the meeting indicates your interest and demonstrates persistence. Try to follow up with the same person you met with so you can build a relationship, important to helping to move the issue forward.

5. Report back to us about your visit

Let us know how it went, and whether they're interested in being a co-sponsor