Partnering with State Professional Societies is a Must-Do in DC

In DC, federal priorities are oftentimes only as compelling as the strength of their local stories. Congressional offices want to know how a national initiative impacts their state or district, or have specific questions about how a program is implemented. This is where state professional societies can play a critical role. Groups like the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) and the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) bridge the gap between federal advocacy and local implementation, ensuring that federal priorities are grounded in real-world impact.

State professional societies generally have members who oversee federal programs, can speak to state programs that are working (or not), and engage firsthand with local communities. They are sometimes the first on the ground to speak to the implementation of a federal program while simultaneously wearing a federal policy hat.

NASDA, for example, brings the collective expertise of state agriculture leaders who are tasked with implementing federal farm programs. Similarly, NASPD elevates the experiences of state park directors who manage the country’s most visited outdoor spaces.

Thinking about which state professional societies can join existing coalitions or share messaging on aligned federal priorities will go a long way in moving your policy agenda.