Architects Build Relationships with Legislators
AIA Pennsylvania recruited 15 member participants and scheduled 18 meetings for District Days, the chapter’s annual month-long advocacy opportunity for members to meet with legislators one-on-one as constituents and members of their legislators’ communities.
The primary goal of these meetings was to build relationships with legislators through discussions around members’ practice, business/clients, firms, and life in the district. These relationships are critical to furthering the profession and AIA Pennsylvania’s standing as a go-to resource for our state’s lawmakers and position us for a better outcome when we call on our elected officials to support the architects’ position.
Member participants were thoroughly briefed on their meetings with a webinar and “blueprint” guide covering Pennsylvania politics, pre-meeting, in-meeting, and post-meeting steps to advocate, and helpful dos and don’ts. Background on the issues in the legislature were also covered, but members were encouraged to bring them up only if appropriate or time allowed.
Pictured above (clockwise from top row):
Daryn Edwards, AIA, meets with Representative Elizabeth Fiedler
Rebecca Lowe, AIA, meets with Senator Camera Bartolotta
Robert Schafer, AIA, meets with Representative Parke Wentling
Carl Handman, AIA, meets with Representative Aaron Kaufer
Kyle Solyak, AIA, meets with Senator Ryan Aument