SGN Overview

The State Government Network was established in 1991 to give state components resources and materials necessary to advocate effectively on the state government level. The Network is comprised of component presidents, legislative affairs chairs, contract lobbyists and members who have an interest in government advocacy. The program is designed to help foster communication between state components. Members are designated by their state component, and, currently, there are one hundred fifty members actively engaged in State Government Network activities.

In order to facilitate opportunities that allow members to interact with each other, the Network convenes twice every year. At these conferences, members discuss a wide range of issues that affect the architectural profession such as building codes, tort reform, licensing, service taxes, and building permit streamlining. At recent SGN meetings, members have received tips on how to lobby their state legislature and legislators more effectively. Component lobbyists and former state legislators have also provided information on the special pressures and situations legislators are often placed in when discussing an issue. Sessions on grassroots advocacy, the importance of state PACs, and how to speak to legislators effectively have also occurred. These “nuts and bolts” sessions are designed to give SGN members the tools they need to make their AIA advocacy effort a successful endeavor.

In addition to meeting twice per year, members are placed on a e-mail listserve. The listserve gives members an opportunity to discuss topics related to state government advocacy between meetings.

Finally, members are asked to respond to periodic legislative issue surveys. The surveys are another tool designed to foster communication between components. By sharing the legislative successes and as equally important, the legislative defeats, members learn through shared communication and experiences. By understanding what works and what doesn’t, the advocacy efforts of each component are enhanced.