LAC REPORTS


"No, I am not a spy. I am an attorney who represents community associations."


I actually uttered those words to a Pennsylvania state legislator. It was during my first time as a volunteer to the Pennsylvania Legislative Action Committee's Annual Advocacy Summit. The Annual Advocacy Summit, which takes place in Harrisburg when there is not a global pandemic, is an event of critical importance to Keystone Chapter of CAI. During the Annual Advocacy Summit, members of the LAC along with other volunteers from the chapter meet with state legislators to advance legislation supported by the Pennsylvania Legislative Action Committee ("PA LAC"). This event is also a tremendous opportunity to educate legislators about community associations in general.


Back to my spy novel.


In response to my denial of engaging in the trade of espionage, the legislator furrowed his brow and looked down at his notes. I assumed that either he or one of his aides had transposed the "A" and the "I" of the CAI acronym. This lawmaker began his day thinking that he was meeting with a representative from our nation's spy agency. Since I had only a few seconds before this legislator was overcome with disappointment, I proceeded straight way to shock and awe.


"Unlike the CIA, the Community Associations Institute represents the interests of over 1 million


18 July | August 2021


Pennsylvania residents. And the issues impacting this group of Pennsylvanians are largely bipartisan."


The legislator looked up from his notes with the expression of "tell me more."


I spent my remaining time


educating this legislator on the fundamentals of community associations along with some of their unique needs.


The point of retelling my encounter is to emphasize the importance of volunteers. Without the Annual Advocacy Summit, the lawmaker from my story may never have considered the interests of community associations. Now when I have occasion to meet with him or his staff, I do not have to use valuable time explaining community association fundamentals. Instead, I can proceed straight to the substance of our legislative agenda. Despite his disappointment with my career choice, this particular legislator has become a regular supporter of the Keystone Chapter’s legislative initiatives.


My fellow volunteers have similar stories. In the aggregate, these small exchanges between volunteers and legislators have led to a string of legislative victories. However, this momentum can only be sustained by volunteers and the donations of our members.


If you not already done so, please consider volunteering at the next Annual Advocacy Summit. First- timers are paired with more experienced members so that they can better learn the process without the pressure of leading a discussion. In addition, the chapter


and the PA LAC provide volunteers with talking points, supporting data, and additional information that can be left behind with the legislators. The day is capped off with a luncheon attended by legislators and their staff. Not only will you have fun, but you will also be advancing the collective interests of our chapter. And just maybe, a new legislator will mistake you for the next James or Jane Bond.


Our legislative successes as a chapter would not be possible without the guidance and overall efforts of our lobbyists. With the help of these knowledgeable professionals, the PA LAC has been able to effectively and efficiently apply its limited time and resources to achieve positive outcomes. The PA LAC relies upon the donations of chapter members to pay for the services provided by our lobbyists.


In addition to promoting legislation, the PA LAC spends an equal amount of time opposing legislation. Many of our legislative efforts compete with other trade associations and interest groups that are very well - organized and well-funded. While the Keystone Chapter has certainly held its own in Harrisburg, we can do so much more.


With an estimated 1.3 to 2 million Pennsylvanians living in community associations, the Keystone Chapter is truly a sleeping giant. Efforts to recruit more members must continue to be a top priority. More important, our members must commit to making regular donations to the PA LAC so that we can sustain our efforts on behalf of the chapter.


You can make a donation to the PA


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