As you know all too well, the teleservices industry is continuously targeted for regulation by lawmakers in the 50 states and Congress. ATA needs to be vigilant and on top of the issues important to its membership as much as possible. But with so many state governments and Congress, the ATA staff alone cannot be completely informed and effective in fighting legislation in every state. State legislation moves very quickly and often times, develops out of range of the Washington headquarters' radar. Consequently, ATA needs members to become state legislative coordinators to help fight these legislative battles.

What will ATA do?

• Track the movement of telemarketing legislation step by step via a state monitoring service.
  
  

• Provide timely updates to its state coordinators on developing legislation through email.

• Distribute talking points on the more popular issues facing industry and will produce others as needed.

• Email current news stories compiled by ATA staff to keep them informed on developments in the teleservices industry across the country.

• Join the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG). WASRG is an organization designed specifically for state government professionals to network and exchange ideas with one another.

• Eventually become a part of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is an outlet through which ATA will be able to meet and network with legislators from across the country.
  
  

What must an ATA state coordinator do?

• Participate in the Government Affairs Committee.
  
  
• Contact your elected officials in the state houses and on The Hill. Get to know the members and their staffs through a few simple phone calls and let them know who you are and how you are willing to be a resource on teleservices issues.
  
  
• Lobby your state and federal representatives.
  
  
• Encourage colleagues in other companies and executives to help in grassroots lobbying efforts.

To become a coordinator, email Jessi Mark  at jessi@ataconnect.org or call (877) 779-3974.