Policy change does not happen without it. Every advance made in social, economic, labor, and human rights passed by Congress has been accomplished through the committed efforts of individuals organizing to push for that advance through their participation and persistence.

Robert Hamer,
SHRM-SCP, Washington, D.C.

Advocacy matters to me because progress is important to promote better health, engagement, productivity and quality of life for our employees and for our society. If we had only ever relied on the status quo and the standards to which we have become accustomed, we would not have child labor protections, equal opportunity, minimum wage, safety standards or any of the other protections that we have begun to take for granted.

Rebecca Tipton
Huntsville, AL

It is important for our elected officials to hear from their constituents and advocacy efforts help us have our voices heard on issues that are important to us. Most of the best ideas for legislation comes from constituent ideas and bringing these ideas to those in elected office and often result in positive changes for all.

Jeff Palkowski,
SHRM-SCP, Janesville, WI

Nonpartisan advocacy and education of elected officials, staff members and regulators is the most effective way to influence public policy relating to workplace issues. I regularly communicate with and visit elected officials, testify before state legislative committees and write comment letters.
Nancy McKeague
SHRM-SCP, East Lansing, MI