Planting the seeds: grassroots advocacy.

• Position: PROMOTING THE PROFESSION - California Society of Certified Public Accountants Grassroots Advocacy

No, this doesn't have anything to do with growing your lawn, but with having your voice heard with legislators within our chapters.

CalCPA Grassroots Advocacy (www.calcpa.org/government-relations/grassroots-advocacy) helps you get acquainted with government officials and assist them as they form and execute public policy. The process follows four steps: identify, inform, advocate and assist.

* Identify: Make yourself, your firm and your profession known to your elected representatives. As you build your contacts, you will more likely receive a receptive ear when there is an issue that you want to discuss with your representative.

* Inform: Legislators are looking for feedback from their constituents. Informing them about the possible effects their policy actions may have on your clients and your ability to represent clients and operate as a CPA can help prevent onerous laws and regulations from becoming a reality.

* Advocate: You can help advocate for your profession by presenting your best arguments for (or against) a particular policy. Let your representatives know why they should support or oppose a particular issue. This is your chance to provide your perspective on public policy to your representative.

* Assist: This important step is often overlooked in the political world. Thank your...