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legislative activism

Get Involved

Help shape the laws that affect your pawn business and the lives of those you serve.

No matter how you choose to get involved, becoming a legislative advocate is a powerful way to make your voice heard. There are many ways to get involved in advocating for pawn, but the most important work needs to be done proactively. Build relationships with your legislators BEFORE you need their help.

How to Participate

√ Become a Member 

If you are not currently a member of the NPA, it’s time to step up and join the fight! The NPA works to support pawn at the federal and state levels, and we need your support. Click here to join. 

√ Join the NPA Advocacy Peer Group

Already an NPA Member? Now you can join our newest Pawnbroker Peer Group focused specifically on advocacy and government relations. Build real knowledge of the legislative and regulatory landscape shaping the pawn industry, get info on current trends, dig into strategy, and ask the NPA Government Relations Team the questions you’ve been hesitant to raise.

√ Reach Out to Your Elected Officials

1. Find Your Legislators

Can’t find your legislator’s name? Perhaps he or she is a former senator, or a senator in your State Legislature. 

2.  Request a Meeting

  • Use our How To Set-up a Meeting guide for tips on scheduling a visit. 
  • Consider gathering a group of pawnbrokers from your area to go on the visit. There is strength in numbers!  
  • Print out copies of the Pawn Info Sheets. (Request a full packet with Pawn Statutes and Regulations: info@nationalpawnbrokers.org.) If you don’t have a good color printer, take it to a local print shop and have it printed for you.  

3. Meet with Your Legislator

  • Focus on educating them about pawn and the positive impact it has on communities nationwide. Be sure to leave behind the packet! 

4. After the Meeting

Always write a thank you note to the staffer and/or representative you met with. Download this Thank You Letter template to use when drafting your letter.

5. Tell The NPA All About It

Let us know who you saw and how it went. Fill out the Post-Contact form below.

Legislator Post-Contact Report

Tips for becoming a legislative advocate:

  • Do your research. Before you contact your elected officials, make sure you know what issues you want to talk about and why you care about them. You can find information about current legislation and upcoming hearings directly through the NPA, as well as on your elected officials’ websites. 
  • Be clear and concise. When you contact your elected officials, be clear about what you want them to do. Don’t just say that you support or oppose a particular issue. Explain why you feel that way and what you think your elected official should do about it. 
  • Be respectful. Even if you disagree with your elected officials, it’s important to be respectful when you contact them. Remember that they are elected to represent the people, so they deserve to be heard. 
  • Be persistent. Don’t give up if you don’t hear back from your elected officials right away. Keep contacting them and let them know that you care about the issues you’re advocating for. It takes time and effort to make a difference, but it’s worth it.