Lead & Succeed

Be a Voice for the Industry: How Chapters Can Support AMPP Advocacy

Written by Lydia Prazak | Apr 7, 2026 2:00:02 PM

As chapter leaders, you’re not just guiding your members locally—you’re also helping amplify the voice of our entire industry. One of the most powerful ways to do that is through advocacy. At AMPP, advocacy means representing the professionals in corrosion prevention, coatings, and materials protection in front of policymakers, regulators, and other decision-makers.

When we advocate, we protect careers, promote industry growth, and influence policies that directly impact your members’ work. And with your help, we can make sure more people understand just how important their voice is.

What is AMPP Advocacy?

Our Government Affairs team works every day to ensure that the concerns of our members are heard by those who shape public policy. Advocacy is about building relationships with lawmakers, monitoring legislation, and pushing for initiatives that strengthen materials protection and performance standards.

Some of our current priorities include:

    • Increasing investment in infrastructure resilience.
    • Ensuring workforce development initiatives include skilled trades like corrosion prevention.
    • Supporting funding for research and innovation in coatings and materials protection.

When chapters share these priorities, it helps members connect their daily work to the bigger picture.

Meet Kern Williams: AMPP's Legislative Expert

Leading our efforts is Kern Williams, AMPP’s Director of Government Affairs. Kern monitors legislation, builds relationships with policymakers, and develops our advocacy strategy. He’s the bridge between our members and the halls of government.

When your members want to know what’s happening in Washington—or how they can make their voice heard—Kern is their go-to resource.

The Advocacy Toolkit: Your Go-To Resource

To make advocacy easy for chapters and members, we’ve created the Advocacy Toolkit. Inside you’ll find:

    • Templates for contacting legislators.
    • Talking points on key issues.
    • Tips for effective communication with policymakers.

As a leader, you can share this toolkit at chapter meetings, add it to your newsletters, and encourage members to take simple steps that make a big difference.

Explore the Advocacy Toolkit »

Save the Date: AMPP Advocacy Day In Washington D.C.

May 11-13, 2026, AMPP will host Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. This is your members’ chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with peers, meet with lawmakers, and ensure the voice of our industry is heard at the highest levels.

Encourage your chapter members to join us for this important event. Advocacy Day isn’t just about policy—it’s about showing decision-makers the real people behind the work.

Learn More About Advocacy Day »

How Chapter Leaders Can Encourage Advocacy

You play a key role in getting members involved. Here are a few simple ways to help:

    • Talk about advocacy at chapter meetings and events.
    • Share the toolkit and link to AMPP’s Government Affairs page.
    • Highlight member stories about why advocacy matters.
    • Encourage participation in Advocacy Day and other national initiatives.

The more members who engage, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

Take the Next Step

Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be shared. As a chapter leader, you can help members understand why advocacy matters and how easy it is to get involved.

Together, we can ensure our industry has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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