Chamber Leadership: July 2024

Do you have a formalized grassroots program?

If not, you should.

A grassroots campaign is one of the three legged stool that makes up a strong government affairs program at your chamber.

And the other two, direct lobbying and a political action committee (PAC).

Laying the groundwork for a successful grassroots program is essential for any Chamber of Commerce.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Building a Strong Foundation:

Define Your Goals & Priorities: Clearly identify the policy issues your chamber will advocate for. Align these with your members' interests and the community's economic well-being.
Secure Board & Staff Buy-In: Get leadership on board with the program's importance. Allocate staff resources for effective management.
Develop a Communication Plan: Establish clear channels to keep members informed about legislative issues, advocacy efforts, and calls to action.

Engaging Your Members:

Identify Your Champions: Find members who are passionate about specific issues and willing to be vocal advocates.
Educate & Empower: Provide members with information on legislative processes, effective communication with officials, and the importance of their participation.
Utilize Technology: Leverage online platforms and social media to mobilize members quickly and efficiently.

Building Relationships:

Identify Key Decision-Makers: Research and establish connections with local, state, and federal officials who can influence the issues you care about.
Maintain Open Communication: Foster ongoing dialogue with elected officials to understand their perspectives and concerns.
Highlight Member Impact: Showcase how your chamber's advocacy efforts benefit businesses and the community.

Starting a chamber of commerce foundation can be a great way to support the chamber's mission and program of work.

It also is a great way to promote economic development and business growth in the community.

Here are some steps you can take to start a chamber of commerce foundation:

Form a board of directors. The board of directors will be responsible for overseeing the foundation and ensuring that it is successful. The board should be composed of a diverse group of individuals with experience in business, finance, and community development.
Create a mission statement. The mission statement should clearly state the foundation's purpose and goals. It should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.
Develop a strategic plan. The strategic plan should outline the foundation's goals and objectives, as well as how it plans to achieve them. It should also include a budget and a timeline.
Raise funds. The foundation will need to raise money to support its activities. There are a variety of ways to raise funds, such as through donations, grants, and fundraising events.
Develop programs and services. The foundation should develop programs and services that support the chamber's mission and goals. These programs and services can be tailored to the specific needs of the community.
Market the foundation. The foundation needs to raise awareness of its mission and programs. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as social media, print advertising, and public relations.
Evaluate the foundation's performance. The foundation should regularly evaluate its performance to ensure that it is meeting its goals and objectives. This information can be used to make improvements to the foundation's programs and services.

By following these steps, you can start a chamber of commerce foundation that is successful and that helps to achieve the chamber's mission.

Here are some additional tips for starting a chamber of commerce foundation:

Get support from the chamber of commerce. The chamber of commerce can provide valuable support to the foundation, such as staff, office space, and access to its network of members.
Partner with other organizations. The foundation can partner with other organizations, such as local governments, universities, and nonprofits, to leverage resources and achieve its goals.
Be creative in your fundraising. There are a variety of ways to raise funds for a chamber of commerce foundation. Get creative and think outside the box to find ways to raise money that are relevant to your community and that will resonate with donors.
Be patient. It takes time to build a successful chamber of commerce foundation. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep working hard and eventually you will achieve your goals.