In the world of emergency management, communicating with elected officials isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. But many emergency managers feel unsure about how to engage, or worry about crossing the line into political activity. Understanding the difference between lobbying, advocacy, and education empowers emergency managers to confidently share their stories, build key relationships, and strengthen support for resilient communities.

This conversation breaks down the distinctions and provides practical steps emergency managers can take, without engaging in formal lobbying, to elevate the profession and ensure decision-makers understand the value of emergency management.

What Is Advocacy in Emergency Management?

Advocacy is one of the most important tools Emergency Managers have. The great news is that it doesn’t require discussing specific bills or taking political positions!

Advocacy simply means telling your story.

It includes actions such as:

• Meeting with elected officials to explain who you are and what you do
• Helping decision-makers understand local emergency management challenges
• Sharing experiences, success stories, and lessons learned
• Explaining the real-world impacts of policies, grants, and time-sensitive requirements
• Clarifying what emergency management programs need to remain effective

Advocacy is Nonpartisan

Emergency managers advocate by building relationships and increasing awareness, not by pushing political agendas.

When elected officials understand the role of Emergency Management and the pressure points emergency managers face, they are more likely to support strong preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation programs.

Education: The Core Mission of Emergency Management Outreach

Above all, emergency management professionals educate.

Education is not lobbying, and it is one of the most valuable contributions emergency managers make in the policy space. Because emergency management professionals operate with tight timelines, strict requirements, and evolving threats, leaders often rely on frontline expertise to understand what is at stake.

Educational outreach includes:

• Explaining grant cycles, short funding windows, and operational constraints
• Helping leaders understand jurisdictional responsibilities
• Answering questions from officials, administrators, or other emergency managers
• Sharing stories that “build empathy” by illuminating how the work that emergency managers do affects the communities they serve
• Providing tours, briefings, ride-alongs, or invitations to observe and ask questions about emergency management
• Encouraging elected officials and executive officials to attend trainings that align with the National Incident Management System. Tailored courses such as  G402 – Incident Command System (ICS) Overview for Executives/Senior Officials is a great course to recommend!
• Offering a reference guide or booklet that outlines where their responsibilities as elected officials intersect with emergency management

Many elected officials will openly admit: I don’t understand emergency management.
Your role is to help them understand it by breaking concepts down into clear, simple conversations void of political pressure.

What Counts as Lobbying?

Lobbying occurs when someone asks a policymaker to support, oppose, or amend specific legislation or regulatory action.

Examples of lobbying include:

• Requesting a “yes” or “no” vote on a bill
• Suggesting that a law should be changed or removed
• Engaging in targeted efforts intended to influence official legislative decisions

In many states, lobbying is regulated and requires formal registration. Most emergency managers do not lobby, and most never need to. Instead, they focus on education and advocacy, which are legally permitted and essential to the work of emergency management.

Why Advocacy and Education Matter for Emergency Managers

Emergency Management is often misunderstood as a field that only activates during disasters. However, the work is constant, strategic, and deeply tied to public safety and resource allocation.

Strong relationships with elected officials help:

• Strengthen support for emergency management programs and funding
• Improve awareness of preparedness gaps before an emergency
• Encourage leaders to seek emergency management guidance early, rather than reactively
• Create opportunities for officials to participate in trainings and exercises
• Build trust, rapport, and sustained engagement in resiliency efforts

When emergency managers consistently share firsthand knowledge, without political positioning, leaders become more informed decision-makers.

How Emergency Managers Can Engage Without Lobbying

Here are simple, effective ways to strengthen advocacy and education efforts:

1. Start Small

Talk to your next chain of command. Help them understand your role and invite them to observe your next exercise or training.

2. Extend the Invitation Upward

Ask your leadership to bring their leadership. Trainings such as G402 and exercises offer ideal opportunities.

3. Use Stories to Build Empathy

Sharing real examples that are within appropriate disclosure limits helps officials grasp the human impact of emergency management decisions.

4. Provide Clear Resources

A simple handout or guidebook about key emergency management concepts and procedures can bridge communication gaps.

5. Explain Grant Pressures

Elected officials may not have awareness of shortened timelines and narrow expenditure windows grant recipients often face. Tell them plainly.

6. Focus on Mission, Not Politics

Your message is nonpartisan: strong emergency management protects everyone. Leverage their vision to execute your mission. When they see that you are working to meet their priorities, everyone wins.

Conclusion: Your Voice Matters

Arizona’s Emergency Managers play a vital role in shaping safe, resilient communities. You don’t have to be a lobbyist to make a difference. You simply need to share what you know, explain what you see, and invite leaders into the world of Emergency Management.

When Emergency Managers advocate and educate, they help create informed policy, stronger support, and a future where Arizona communities remain prepared for whatever comes next.