07/01/2021

Public Affairs Council Research:

Virtual advocacy is here to stay

A poll released by the Public Affairs Council in May shows that positive sentiment toward virtual advocacy has increased significantly in the past year. The survey of 157 government affairs executives shows an appreciation for the value of virtual lobbying as well as concerns about securing in-person meetings with lawmakers in the future.

“Advocates of all types adapted quickly to the restrictions put in place because of COVID-19,” said Public Affairs Council President Doug Pinkham. “Since last year’s survey, we’ve seen a rise in the use of digital advocacy tools such as online grassroots campaigns, virtual fly-ins and social media advertising. These are long-term changes that won’t recede when congressional offices open their doors again.”

The poll found that 87 percent of respondents believe it will become increasingly common to use video conferencing for advocacy. Additionally, 46 percent believe that video calls can be more effective than in-person meetings.

Eighty-three percent feel their staffs are already proficient with virtual platforms and 66 percent say their staffs can do entire jobs well while working remotely.

The report also touches on a possible decline in traditional lobbying and an increase in digital advocacy, with 61 percent of respondents declared both will happen. View the report.

This article was provided to OSAE by ASAE's Power of A and Inroads.