Key Contacts & Grassroots
One of the key components of any successful legislative program is a strong key contacts network. For those of you that may not be aware, a key contact is an individual who has a unique relationship with his/her elected official.
Perhaps you know one of your local municipal board members? Are they your neighbor, or do your kids play soccer together? Maybe you helped one of your county commissioners purchase their home? Perhaps you, yourself serve on your local municipal board? Or maybe you simply would like to get involved and develop a relationship with your officials.
Regardless of whether or not you have an existing relationship or whether you would like to develop that relationship, key contact is essential for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, if you have an interest in government and know your elected officials, you have a direct line to the people making laws and setting policies that impact your profession. Furthermore, by cultivating those relationships and actively being involved with your local government, you, the real estate expert, can help influence the direction of the environment affecting your business.
In a time when your industry constantly is fighting off attacks by anti-REALTOR® groups and policies, being personally involved with the decision-making process and the decision-makers is one of the simplest ways to protect your interests.
GHAR is asking members to volunteer to be key contacts. If you know a member of your local municipal board, a county commissioner or a state legislator, or you are willing to develop a relationship with one or more of these officials, please consider volunteering to help advance and protect the rights of all REALTORS®. And if you are currently a member of your local board, please let us know!