Effective Advocacy

Speak up for communities of lasting value.

Effective Advocacy

APA is committed to providing members with an array of convenient and useful resources to help them carry the planning message to Congress and state legislatures, starting with an advocacy network based on APA's state chapters. Legislative liaisons in each chapter can help coordinate members' legislative advocacy for both federal and state priorities.

There are several ways to get involved. Start by signing up to receive the latest information and alerts when action is needed through the Legislative Action Network. You may also want to contact your legislative liaison or other state's legislative liaisons to find out what is happening on the state level and what you can do to help.

Legislative Action Network

Planners' Day on Capitol Hill

APA's annual event enables members to deliver the planning message to congressional representatives in local districts across the country.

Legislative Liaison Directory

APA's Legislative Network is made up of legislative liaisons from each APA Chapter.

APA Advocate

Current and back issues of APA's e-newsletter covering legislative issues related to planning

Previous Editions

The Advocate's Toolbox

Revised for 2013: APA In-District Meeting Toolkit (pdf)

APA Quarterly Legislative Briefing: August 2013 (pdf)

Writing Advocacy Letters & Faxes

Sending E-mail to Elected Officials

Conducting Legislative Meetings

Connecting with the Media

Scheduling a Visit with Your Elected Official

Tips for Successful Advocacy Meetings

Sample Scheduling Request (doc)

Sample Thank You Note (doc)

Planner's Congressional Handbook

Each congressional session, APA publishes a handbook that gives you all the information you need to understand who's who on the Hill. The guide to the 111th Congress will be published in early 2009. The guide, small enough to fit in your pocket, contains contact information on all members of Congress and their committees, as well as summaries of the legislative process; congressional district maps; and information on federal agencies. Copies are available free (plus shipping) to APA members by contacting Government Affairs.

APA's policy staff is always available to help chapters, divisions, and individual members with legislative advocacy. Whether you need help with media relations, coalition building, or policy research, APA's policy staff can help. Contact Government Affairs for assistance.