Not attending SAF’s Congressional Action Days? There are several other ways to advocate for the floral industry, including calling, writing to and meeting with representatives.
More than 60 floral industry professionals will take to Capitol Hill next week to talk with legislators about key issues that are important to the industry during the Society of American Florists’ 42nd annual Congressional Action Days.
Meeting with legislators in the nation’s capital is an effective way to make the voice of the industry heard, but there are other ways floral professionals can advocate for the industry’s needs.
“In order to accomplish our advocacy priorities, we need SAF members — in Washington, D.C., and at home — to tell their legislators about how decisions in Washington affect their business and the challenges they are facing,” says SAF Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff.
Here are a few ways you can still get involved and support SAF’s advocacy efforts.
Educate Yourself
Visit Career Connection to learn about the issues affecting the industry: the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences, securing funding for floriculture research, and reforming agricultural labor.
Reach Out
Find your representative here, and your two senators here. The best way to get in touch with your legislators is to email or call their offices.
Make a Personal Connection
Set up a meeting with your legislator’s local office. Congress will be on its spring break recess April 11-22 so your member of Congress will most likely be spending some time in their local offices then. You can tell them about the issues affecting your business, find out when their next town hall meeting is, or invite them to tour your business. These local meetings often go longer than the typical 15-minute meeting you might have in D.C., and local staffers are more likely to be familiar with your town or region. It’s a great way to build a relationship, which can provide a foundation for future requests.
Learn About SAFPAC
SAFPAC was established in 1979 to help the floral industry play a more active role in the political process. SAF’s political action committee stands alone in advocating for the industry across segments. SAFPAC contributes to members of Congress who support and have jurisdiction over the industry’s top legislative and regulatory priorities.
Want to learn more about SAFPAC? The first step is signing a prior approval form online. This allows SAF to communicate with you about what SAFPAC is doing and alert you to future SAFPAC events. This permission is required by law. Questions? Contact Katie Butler.
SAF members’ past advocacy efforts have paid off. Recent wins include adding roses to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), securing floriculture growers access to aid through the USDA, and the expansion of the Floriculture Crops Summary Report.
Katie Butler is the senior vice president of the Society of American Florists.
