Federal Grassroots Advocacy

How To Protect and Promote Your Business

The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (IIABA) grassroots program is the backbone of legislative advocacy on agent and broker issues on Capitol Hill and in state capitals. IIABA's 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees are a formidable grassroots constituency that ranks among the most respected on Capitol Hill. They play a key role in shaping legislation involving insurance regulatory reform, producer compensation, small business concerns, tax issues, pension reform, tort reform, privacy issues, natural disaster reform, terrorism insurance, crop insurance issues, health care reform, and more.

IIABA's grassroots strength lies in the number of involved agent and broker activists that can be mobilized at a moment's notice by an "Action Alert" system. These calls to action are shared with all employees in an agency or brokerage firm, including support staff, so they too can have their voices heard on issues affecting their livelihood.

Additionally, IIABA encourages its members to be active in local, state and national politics. In fact, more than 35 former insurance professionals currently hold seats in the U.S. Congress. With literally hundreds or thousands of agents, brokers and their employees in every congressional district, IIABA's grassroots activists not only play an important role in their communities as local business and civic leaders, but also play a critical role in supporting federal, state and local candidates for elective office.

New challenges in Washington and the financial services marketplace demand that more IIABA members become informed and involved in the political arena. IIABA's grassroots program will play a vital role in shaping and promoting the agency system. Call IIABA at (202) 863-7000 to become actively involved in the Association's grassroots efforts or to obtain legislative information and political background materials.