The importance of advocacy

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczWe often get asked if we think that our presence in D.C. makes a difference. My answer to that is our presence in D.C. is only as strong as our industry’s ability to work at a grassroots level to educate their members of Congress on our issues, which, in turn, makes our presence in D.C. very valuable.

We are just coming off the August recess, and we are hopeful our grassroots efforts in the districts during the break will have an impact on our issues as we return to business in D.C. So many will ask what they can do, or may feel it is a little intimidating to visit their Congressman or Senator. The one thing we remind everyone is that these folks (Congressmen and Senators) are no different than anyone else in the country.

They are there to represent you and their districts, and need to hear from you to do their jobs effectively. We have found many Congressmen and Senators to have ties to the construction industry, many of them having families in the business or actually owning companies before their elected positions.

These elected officials need people they can rely on in their home districts and states. We often find that members of the Mason Contractors Association of America who have reached out to their members of Congress build almost consulting-like positions with their members. The members are in need of opinions and interpretations of how their actions, or lack thereof, impact their people back home. Often, this will turn into a phone call from the Representative asking for feedback on an issue. Nurturing and building those relationships becomes invaluable in our efforts.

It does not take a long time to establish this relationship with your Congressional delegation. It does take consistent meetings and visits to their offices to educate them. The one thing we have learned in our advocacy efforts is that, if we are not doing it, someone else will. Even if we are doing it, likely they have an opposing side on nearly every issue, tugging at them to see their side and trying to gain their support.

It does take a little time and a little effort, but it can pay back big in the end, when we develop those relationships. Going to D.C. is not a requirement to be effective. However, if you typically see your Congressman back home, and they see you making the effort to go to D.C. to discuss an issue, they will understand the importance of the visit.

You can make a difference! We are here to help. If you want a briefing on issues or need resources to make a visit, please call our office. We can help you with it and make you feel more at ease. Remember, they are people no different than you and me, and treating them as such will go a long way.
About: Legislative
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More
Brick Jointers: Purpose, Patterns, & Practical Applications
January 2026

After leads have been built and bricks have been laid, it’s crucial to tool the joints before the mortar sets. The tool of choice for this task is a brick jointer, but it can be tricky to decide which one to use. This guide will walk through the purpose o

Mackenzie Claassen
Technical Talks
Read More
Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w

Justus Everett
Safety Library
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →