Getting Involved
Getting Involved in Politics: A Primer for the Interior Designer
The need for political involvement by interior design students like you is obvious-you are the future of the profession! How can interior design students get involved? The answer is simple.
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDENTS TAKE ACTION
LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUES. The issues affecting the practice of interior design differ from state to state. Find out how issues such as building permits and architectural statutes affect interior design practice in your state.
- Ask your professors to address these issues in class.
- Talk to interior design practitioners. Ask them if and how their interior design practice is impeded by restrictive laws or practices in the state.
- Attend a meeting of your local interior design legislative coalition.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS. Educate your legislators about the importance of legally recognizing the interior design profession.
- Explain what interior designers do and how their specialized education and training benefit and protect the public. There are three ways you can contact your legislators.
- Write a personal letter. Send it by U.S. mail, e-mail or fax.
- Make a phone call. Often you will be able to speak to your state legislator on the phone.
- If your legislator is not available, speak to a staff member.
- Meet with your legislators. Visit the state capital to meet with your legislators or schedule meetings in your hometown.
MAXIMIZE YOUR EFFORTS. The more people who are active on an issue, the quicker the goal will be accomplished. Work with others to advance your cause.
- Join your state’s interior design legislative coalition.
- Take an active role in your ASID student chapter. Educate other students and encourage them to get involved.
- Ask your family, friends and other students to support and join your efforts.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
- Contact your state’s interior design legislative coalition for sample letters and talking points.
- Take advantage of ASID services. Visit the Web site, www.asid.org, for information on legislative issues. Use the “Capitol Connections” feature to identify and contact your legislators by e-mail, fax or U.S. mail.
- Contact the ASID Government and Public Affairs department at (202) 546-3480, or e-mail gpa@asid.org, for more information on legislation and political action.
INVOLVEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IS A VITAL PART OF YOUR ROLE AS A PROFESSIONAL. Political action is fun and easy. Take advantage of these simple steps to make your voice heard, and to promote your profession and its benefits to the public.
