Young Agent Forum

Make your mark in Washington

Big “I” conference gives young agents the chance to influence legislators

By Meghan McGarry, ACSR

I can clearly remember the first time I stood on the steps of our nation’s Capitol. I was 12 years old and on my 6th grade class trip to learn about our government. I remember feeling very small in comparison to this immense institution, and I wondered if there would ever be a time when I would be able to participate in our government’s processes.

Years later, having returned to Washington to attend the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s National Legislative Conference & Convention (LC&C), my question was answered. Walking the halls of Congress with thousands of my fellow independent agents, I spoke with some of the most influential and respected legislators of our time and learned that we have indeed made a difference.

Every spring in Washington, D.C., at cherry blossom time, independent insurance agents travel across the country to campaign for positive change on behalf of ourselves and our customers. We meet with our congressional representatives to speak on issues such as flood insurance reform, agent licensing, and insurance regulatory reform. Our grassroots efforts help educate our lawmakers on issues that affect all of us.

When we use the term “grassroots,” that’s essentially what it should mean: “Beginning, originating, or operating in the base of.” We must truly understand where the base is and how far it may extend. We, the people, are the base of every political movement ever thought of. No law was ever passed without a group of citizens gathering and lobbying for that change. Sadly, in today’s world, it is rare for American citizens to understand the power they hold in their hands. But members of Congress realize we have that grassroots power, and they do want to hear from their constituents on issues that are affecting their lives.

One of the best opportunities to let our government officials know where we stand is to participate in the Big “I” National Legislative Conference & Convention. This event allows us to augment our letters, faxes, and phone calls, and initiate face-to-face contact to discuss the issues. The meetings can make a real difference in the way our industry is seen and the influence we have to make change.

Another important contribution we can make is to support InsurPAC, which is the Big “I” political action committee and the largest property and casualty industry PAC in the country. Our contributions to InsurPAC help us get the necessary “face time” with representatives who are influential in making the decisions that affect our industry. Contributing to a PAC does not buy votes, but it does get our foot in the door to educate lawmakers.

As young agents, our participation in programs like these is critically important to our industry. The leaders of our nation have met with thousands of agents before us. It is vital to the survival of the independent agency system that we follow in the footsteps of our predecessors.

Young agents who have attended the LC&C in the past can attest that simply witnessing the gathering of such a large group of young agents is worth the trip. The sight of so many independent agents headed up to Capitol Hill is inspiring.

If you are a young agent who has never attended, please don’t feel intimidated. The Big “I” has you covered when it comes to preparing to meet your elected officials. In addition to a legislative briefing, they supply you with talking point cards and a position paper, appropriately titled “Where We Stand.” These tools provide an outline of each issue to be discussed and how it affects the insurance industry.

You will also be able to partner with other agents from your state who have attended in the past. Some may have even spoken to these same representatives in prior years. That helps make your introduction seem more like one to an old friend, rather than a new, awkward one.

For you who have attended in the past, consider coming again. Perhaps you could bring a newcomer with you to share in this memorable experience. While on Capitol Hill, stop by the Big “I” headquarters and meet veteran agents and young agents from all over the country. Make sure to attend all of the young agent events for valuable networking opportunities.

For more information about young agents or the National Legislative Conference & Convention, please contact Katie Cosgrove at katie.cosgrove@iiaba.net or (800) 221-7917. *

The author
Meghan McGarry, ACSR, is with Marshall & Sterling Upstate, Inc., in Leeds, New York, where she services small commercial accounts and assists in the rejuvenation of the small business incubator program. She is the chairperson for the NeXt Generation of Insurance Professionals sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, and also serves on the Big “I” National Young Agents Committee.