The following advice is generously offered by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).For more information about SEMA’s legislative efforts, the SEMA Action Network, and SEMA consumer support, visit www.enjoythedrive.com.

Without question, vehicle clubs and individual enthusiasts need to become more active politically to protect our ownership and use of collector vehicles and to preserve it for the future. There are a number of ways to become more politically active and savvy. For our purposes here, we have split the suggestions into both specific political and general political involvement. Consider some of the following options:

Specific Political Involvement

Support auto-friendly candidates. Consider working on the campaigns of friendly candidates. Donations of time, money and publicity are extremely important to politicians because it takes all of this to run for, win, and hold office. Once the candidate is elected, there will be a built-in relationship between you (or your club) and the legislator that could pay dividends when any anti or pro-hobby legislation is introduced in the legislature.

Maintain relationships with local legislators. Work hard at cultivating relationships with local politicians. Invite them to parades, rod runs, car shows, rallies etc. Give them a place of prominence, perhaps make them a celebratory judge at a show. Give them the opportunity to see that your club or association is large, influential and an important part of their constituency. In addition, send club representatives to town meetings, etc. to demonstrate club interest and strength and to hold them publicly accountable on pro-hobbyist issues. Finally, schedule periodic office visits to local legislators to keep them on their toes.

Be smart about who you deal with. Deal with legislator friends where you can find them. A friend is someone who supports the auto enthusiast cause no matter whether he or she is Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. Don’t waste valuable time and effort trying to sway legislators who are publicly opposed to your viewpoint. Put your energy and time into developing relationships with those who support you and those who may be on the fence.

Maintain mutual respect with officials. Some people have nothing but contempt for elected officials. If you, or any member of your club or organization are such a person, re-read this document with an eye toward understanding the value of becoming politically involved in a positive manner. Otherwise, keep a distance from the process. A counterproductive, uncooperative or abusive attitude will communicate itself to a legislator and will ruin your efforts at developing a positive and useful working relationship.

General Political Involvement

Build an automotive coalition. Some of the most positive and politically effective pro-hobbyist organizations in the country are statewide or regional auto club coalitions. Creating a coalition recognizes that there is strength in numbers and that the rights of ALL vehicle enthusiasts, from street rodders to antiquers to off-roaders to late model hobbyists, should be represented. Simply put, a united pro-hobbyist front can be a very influential political force.

Get involved in the community. Clubs should consider joining local business, service and community organizations to increase their positive exposure in the community. In particular, clubs should consider developing relationships with charitable organizations. Holding charity runs and fundraisers can provide a great opportunity to show local residents and politicians that auto clubs are a positive community force rather than car-obsessed only people.

Cultivate a relationship with the local media. Never underestimate the value of having friends in the media. Contact local newspapers and radio/TV stations to publicize car shows, charity events, etc. Pitch stories about the club, or something that the club is involved or supporting to local reporters. Write editorials, op-eds and letters to the editor expressing the viewpoint of the club and car hobbyists in general on legislative issues. If a club is successful in presenting a positive image to the media, they will most likely reciprocate. The community, as well as politicians, notice good publicity. Present a positive, professional image.

Vote! Remember who your friends are. Elect them and keep them in office.