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Developing Effective Grassroots ProgramsDeveloping Effective Grassroots Programs

Coalition Corner:Business training tools for HR staff, real estate licensees and other service professionals in the relocation and real estate industries

© 2005, Employee Relocation Council/Worldwide ERC® Coalition

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Program objectives

• This program supplements a monthly editorial feature in Worldwide ERC®’s Mobility magazine

• This segment will:

– Define grassroots networks and their primary purpose– Offer tips and suggestions on how to develop effective

grassroots efforts

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Introduction

• Grassroots programs are the collective voice of American citizens who come together to support various causes, organizations, or industries

• “Grassroots” is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as “society at the local level” and “the very foundation or source”

• Most legislative initiatives, including those that have an impact on the relocation/managed move industry, begin at the local level

• Support for (or opposition to) proposed legislation by voting citizens is key to its outcome

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Why Grassroots?

• The Worldwide ERC® Coalition is a public policy voice for the managed move industry, and aims to inform its members how to be more involved in and effective on the legislative front to help protect our industry’s interests

• The Coalition has a formal grassroots network program, and the following information outlines some of the ways that program is developed and cultivated, as well as offering tips for leaders of local, regional programs across the country

• Amy Showalter, of The Showalter Group, is a renowned grassroots consultant, and spoke during Worldwide ERC®’s 2003 Global Workforce Symposium

• She offers the following tips for success…

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Set Goals:

• Be firm about intended results and work backward to create a strategy• Group members should be asked about what they want and what

motivates them

Recruit:

• Personalized recruiting techniques work best• Prove to potential members why the program needs them as individuals

and ensue the program appeals to their particular needs• Provide written role descriptions for the program’s members to help set

expectations• Spread the news! “Word of mouth from a grassroots evangelist beats 50

communications from a CEO. Nothing recruits better than a satisfied volunteer.” – Amy Showalter, “Amyism” #4

How to Cultivate an Effective Grassroots Program

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Communicate:

• As with any network, communication is key to success• Staff must keep in regular contact with program members to keep them

updated on activities• Members need to take an active role, alerting staff of any initiatives,

reporting on progress and expressing needs as a member

Educate:

• Program members must have access to a reliable vehicle for education on public policy, legislative issues, and the entire law-making process

• Once armed with this knowledge, members should use it to further their position with the local constituency and community leaders

How to Cultivate an Effective Grassroots Program

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Engage Stakeholders:

• Continuity and regularity is crucial to keeping members and legislators interested in causes

• Program leaders need to engage members in a meaningful activity on a continual basis to keep them involved and motivated

• Equally important is continuous involvement with legislators, not just when a pertinent issue arises

• Grassroots members should solidify relationships with lawmakers by taking an interest in their office as a whole, working with the legislator’s staff, and providing positive publicity about their career

• These actions help build trust and narrow the gap between lawmakers and constituents

How to Cultivate an Effective Grassroots Program

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In conclusion…

• Grassroots programs have the ability to affect legislation in all sectors of business, industry and society

• Being part of an effective grassroots program is a beneficial way to advocate and protect specific interests and take a greater role in the legislative process

The Coalition thanks Amy Showalter, The Showalter Group, for this edition (www.showaltergroup.com)

To join the Coalition’s Grassroots Network, call 202.862.4229, or download an application form at http://realestatecoalition.org/pdf/grass_app.pdf