Powering Potential: 5 Ways ICBA Can Improve Your Advocacy Efforts

To help you make the most of your advocacy efforts and feel confident in every step, ICBA provides a robust lineup of resources tailored to every level of lobbying experience. Whether you’re new to lobbying or looking for advanced tools to amplify your voice, these resources will guide you to success. 

Here’s a breakdown of everything ICBA offers and how to use it, so that you can get started ASAP or boost the action you’re already taking.

Step 1:  Stay up to date on key issues

Bankers can find detailed outlines of ICBA’s policy resolutions at icba.org/advocacy/our-positions to learn more about how pending and current legislation can affect bank operations and industry outlook. ICBA also recently debuted its Repair, Reform and Thrive plan, which will help foster local economic growth and address regulatory issues many community banks face. 

The plan emphasizes the importance of the community banking industry, how community banks serve as the backbone of their communities and which regulations can diminish the positive impact they can have locally. “We need to have a very specific game plan to make sure that community banks and our customers are protected,” says Jack Coleman, ICBA assistant vice president for advocacy. “Leveling the playing field with credit unions, the Farm Credit System or having tax policies that support the right sort of economic growth are what this plan does.”

Find the Repair, Reform and Thrive plan at icba.org/advocacy

Step 2:  Equip yourself with training and toolkits

For those beginning their advocacy journeys, ICBA offers comprehensive training and toolkits, including the Main Street Toolkit. This resource—available at icba.org/advocacy—is packed with guidance on topics like using technology for advocacy and employing effective lobbying techniques. Many of these trainings are also available in person through your state association, so be sure to reach out to them for details.

Want to bring an advocacy training opportunity to your town? Email [email protected] to make a location suggestion.

Step 3:  Stay informed with bills’ progress

To monitor the progress of important legislative initiatives, ICBA provides tools like its Bill Tracker and NewsWatch Today newsletter. These resources empower you to stay informed about the status of key bills, so you can act strategically, in a timely manner and with purpose. By integrating these tools into your advocacy routine, you’ll have a clear understanding of where legislation stands and when it’s crucial to take action. 

“With the pressure we’re putting on [members of Congress], with the pressure our coalitions are putting on them and then with all of these letters that are happening, it’s very helpful,” says Coleman. “Their voice creates a lot of weight with these offices.”

Find the Bill Tracker at icba.org/beheard

Step 4:  Take action with the Be Heard Action Center

ICBA’s Be Heard Action Center provides a direct line to Congress. This tool allows you to send customized letters or place calls to members of Congress or their staff, helping you advocate for relevant legislation. The Be Heard Action Center ensures your outreach remains timely and effective.

Access it here: icba.org/beheard

Step 5:  Take part in grassroots action at the Capital Summit

The ultimate advocacy resource is ICBA’s annual Capital Summit—the premier event for community bank advocates of all experience levels. At the Capital Summit, attendees receive hands-on lobbying training, hear from industry leaders and connect with other community bankers. 

The highlight of the event is the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, where you can meet face to face with members of Congress and their staff. 

“The best way to learn it is to do it,” says Coleman. “It’s not just that [attending Capital Summit is] the best way to learn how to be a really good constituent advocate and advocate for yourself; it’s also the most effective way.” 

Coleman stresses the importance of using ICBA’s resources and speaking out in favor of these important policy issues. “It’s a very easy thing to do, particularly with support we provide … If you’re not at the table, then you’re on the menu,” he says. “If not you, then who?”

Learn more and register for the Capital Summit at icba.org/capitalsummit