NTCA’s “Know Your Numbers” Campaign Can Help You Tell Your Story To Policymakers

Did you know that in Tennessee, rural telcos employ more than 2,600 people and have an economic impact of almost $780 million? If you didn’t know that, it’s a good bet that elected officials didn’t know it either.

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has launched a “Know Your Numbers” campaign to educate policymakers on the contributions rural telcos make to the nation’s economy. The association is encouraging members to meet with officials — particularly those members of Congress who are seeking re-election — and advocate for issues important to rural telcos.

“This campaign is designed to help you educate your candidates,” NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield wrote of the campaign on her blog at http://www.ntca.org/ceoblog/know-your-numbers/. “This is going to mean putting into action a plan to connect with those running for federal office and finding the opportunities.”

In Tennessee, all nine U.S. representatives are facing opponents in their bids for re-election, meaning they are spending plenty of time campaigning in the districts. NTCA suggests hosting a meet-and-greet at a state or county fair, a community event or a town hall meeting, or simply asking for a meeting when the lawmakers are back in the district.

NTCA has provided the following materials:

An infographic

https://www.ntca.org/images/stories/NTCA_images/Advocacy/infographic-web.png

FAQ

http://www.ntca.org/images/stories/Documents/Advocacy/2016_LPC/2016landp_faqs.pdf

Press releases

http://www.ntca.org/images/stories/Documents/Advocacy/KnowYourNumbers/sample%20release.docx

Leave Behind Flyer

http://www.ntca.org/images/stories/Documents/knowyournumbers%20flyer%20ntca.pdf

NTCA suggests sharing these resources in customer newsletters, on corporate web pages, on social media and in local media.

For more information, issue briefs and other resources, visit ntca.org/KnowYourNumbers.