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Stepping Up Our
Political Engagement
by Rob Engstrom, Chief Political Strategist
American Bankers Association
Rob Engstrom E-mail Rob Engstrom at rengstro@aba.com.
Go vote. Every election we hear about the These are all opportunities for ABA members to
importance of voting. And it is extremely important. be involved and we invite you to be a part. Of course,
But as an industry that touches every community in it all starts with your state bankers association. All
America, I’d argue that bankers need to do more than politics in local and no one understands that ― or
just vote; we must be politically engaged year-round, is a better local resource for you — than your state
even and odd-numbered years. bankers association.
Political engagement means so much more than Engaging in these efforts is not about checking
just voting or giving to campaigns, though both are a box for each activity. It’s about finding strategic
important ways to make your voice heard. Political opportunities to use your resources and your voice
engagement is a holistic approach that, when to expand the banking industry’s political profile.
executed appropriately and thoughtfully, can make a BankPac, the Voter Education Fund and grassroots
big difference both inside and outsides the walls of are important pieces of increasing our political
government. presence and all allow opportunity for bankers to get
ABA, state bankers associations and our members involved. But we recognize that these components
have helped build and defend the foundation of are not one-size-fits all. Each bank and each banker
the American economy for nearly 150 years. Now have different attributes that may allow them to
we’re bringing our all-American values to the halls of interact with these opportunities differently. There
Congress, standing with candidates and legislators of is a place for every banker and every bank in these
both parties that appreciate the critical role banks play political engagement efforts.
in the economy. So, how can you be a part? Reach out to ABA
Political engagement is about doing our part and your state bankers association to see how you
to keep the American dream within reach for bank are best placed to participate. For some, it may
customers, clients and communities. be joining BankPac; for others supporting voter
To recognize and elevate the importance of political education efforts; and for more still, it’s being a
engagement, both as an organization and on behalf grassroots ambassador ― not just cultivating your
of bankers everywhere, ABA has fully integrated our own relationships with lawmakers, but educating your
BankPac, grassroots, independent expenditure and peers and employees about what’s happening in
voter education efforts to speak with one voice under Washington, so that they get involved.
the ABA brand. To that end, we are: Political engagement is more than a contribution
in an election year or contacting your lawmaker
n Launching a voter education effort ― the ABA during an important vote. Political engagement is
Voter Education Fund — to grow our political developing and maintaining a constant presence in
profile by engaging in issue and candidate front of lawmakers and the public that shows bankers
advocacy, polling, research and “get out the are here, we’re paying attention to what’s happening
vote” efforts
in the halls of government, and we’re actively involved
n Establishing criteria for candidate support and in creating a civic environment that is helpful to the
outlining standards for engagement American economy.
n Expanding our grassroots infrastructure and The banking industry represents two million
preparing to mobilize as we near key milestones employees and millions more customers. It’s time our
legislatively and politically political will and engagement match that. That’s what
we’re doing at ABA and we invite you to be a part of it.
n Strategizing with our partners in the ABA-State Join us at aba.com/engage.
Association Alliance, utilizing their boots on the
ground for local efforts
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March 2018 IllInoIs RepoRteR
