Page 25 - May-June 2020 Vol38 No1
P. 25
Resources Tell them what you and your department and/or agency. Look for
APWA provides a wealth of information department do on a daily basis. Invite opportunities to engage locally such
them to visit your Public Works facilities as Chamber of Commerce Legislative
and resources to its members for their and to attend events such as those Committees or local groups that monitor
use at the local, state, and national levels. planned for National Public Works Week. legislation. There are many sources
These resources can be found at the Educate them as to what Public Works is available at the state and federal levels.
APWA website https://www.apwa.net/ all about, and the importance of our role
under the Government Affairs heading as first responders: First on the Scene – Action Items Regarding Elected
at the top right. Some of these important Last to Leave. Officials:
resources include: The Washington • Get to know them
Report, access to research, up-to-date This includes your local, state, and • Invite them
news crucial to Public Works advocacy, federal elected officials. It’s great to visit • Visit them and their staff
and of course the Public Policy Priorities. your representative in your state’s capitol • Become a go-to source of information.
or in D.C., but I would encourage you
The Tell Your Story section of the to visit them when they’re back home in I am very proud and honored to have
GAC website is an excellent source of their districts. Even more important, get represented the Tennessee Chapter
information and an opportunity for you to know their local staff. You can become and Region III on the GAC and the
to share your knowledge and experiences. a resource for them. Council of Chapters. I hope to continue
Given the COVID-19 situation, sharing Being a Resource to serve APWA in some capacity at the
your personal or agency experiences in national level. I am available anytime if
dealing with the pandemic in the Tell As a Public Works professional, I can answer a question, speak to your
Your Story portal will be very beneficial to you can provide much needed and department or Branch, or to simply
advocacy efforts and with peer knowledge. desired information, statistics, facts, chat – just shoot an email to cdclifton@
Local Level and justification for the needs of your matternandcraig.com or give me a call
department and agency. Become that “go at 423-245-4970.
During my six years on the GAC and to source” for all matters of Public Works 1 The Community Tool Box, Section 1.,
during my travels around the state, Region and infrastructure to your representatives. Chapter 30, Center for Community Health
III, and the nation, one question that I and Development, University of Kansas.
often hear is frequently the same: “what Stay informed on important advocacy (© 1994-2020)
can I do at the local level?” The answers issues and learn how to make your 2 Back to Basics: What is Advocacy?, Mark
are usually rather simple. First and voice heard in government policy- Kelly, The Sala Blog, Salsa Labs, Inc. (2015)
foremost, you as an individual should get making decisions. Keep track of policies
to know your elected officials - now. and legislation that may impact your
View online at tnpublicworks.com 25
