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Asking for More in a Time of Less

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Asking for More in a Time of Less

Across sectors and borders, governments are rethinking their spending. Funding is being redirected, priorities are shifting, and sectors once seen as crucial are now being overshadowed by pressing geopolitical and security concerns. In many cases, your members, once central to national growth strategies, are no longer top of mind in policy rooms or budget meetings.

Yet the needs of your members have not shrunk. In fact, they’ve grown. From inflationary pressures and skills shortages to rising operational costs and regulatory challenges, your community is being squeezed. They need more support, not less. More access. More visibility. More investment. So, how do you, as their voice, advocate for more in a time of less?

Reframe the Ask

This is not a time to retreat. It's a time to reframe.

It’s not just about asking for more funding — it’s about demonstrating why your sector remains essential to national resilience, economic recovery, and future readiness. Position your sector not as a cost, but as an asset. Not as a drain, but as a driver.

In a world where the narrative is pivoting to defence and security, find ways to align your sector with these imperatives:

  • Can your industry support supply chain sovereignty?

  • Are your members contributing to critical infrastructure, logistics, skills development, or innovation?

  • How does your sector enhance national resilience in times of crisis?

Defend What Matters

If defence is now the lens through which decisions are made, then frame your argument accordingly. Defend your sector by drawing the lines between what your members do and what the country needs.

Whether it’s food security, digital infrastructure, healthcare delivery, clean energy, or skilled trades — these are not luxuries. They are strategic necessities. They are national assets. Your advocacy should reflect that.

Equip Your Members with the Right Message

Your members are looking to you for direction. They’re navigating a confusing, competitive environment — often feeling devalued or overlooked. Help them tell a stronger story.

Give them the language and tools to:

  • Advocate for their value at the local and national level

  • Connect their work to today’s priorities

  • Engage with policymakers in a solutions-focused, collaborative tone

They will in turn strengthen your own advocacy efforts. 

Be Relentlessly Relevant

Finally, associations must be bolder in demonstrating their own relevance. This means moving beyond traditional lobbying and into active coalition-building, evidence-based storytelling, and innovative policy partnerships.

Across sectors and borders, governments are rethinking their spending. Funding is being redirected, priorities are shifting, and sectors once seen as crucial are now being overshadowed by pressing geopolitical and security concerns. In many cases, your members, once central to national growth strategies, are no longer top of mind in policy rooms or budget meetings.

Yet the needs of your members have not shrunk. In fact, they’ve grown. From inflationary pressures and skills shortages to rising operational costs and regulatory challenges, your community is being squeezed. They need more support, not less. More access. More visibility. More investment. So, how do you, as their voice, advocate for more in a time of less?

Reframe the Ask

This is not a time to retreat. It's a time to reframe.

It’s not just about asking for more funding — it’s about demonstrating why your sector remains essential to national resilience, economic recovery, and future readiness. Position your sector not as a cost, but as an asset. Not as a drain, but as a driver.

In a world where the narrative is pivoting to defence and security, find ways to align your sector with these imperatives:

  • Can your industry support supply chain sovereignty?

  • Are your members contributing to critical infrastructure, logistics, skills development, or innovation?

  • How does your sector enhance national resilience in times of crisis?

Defend What Matters

If defence is now the lens through which decisions are made, then frame your argument accordingly. Defend your sector by drawing the lines between what your members do and what the country needs.

Whether it’s food security, digital infrastructure, healthcare delivery, clean energy, or skilled trades — these are not luxuries. They are strategic necessities. They are national assets. Your advocacy should reflect that.

Equip Your Members with the Right Message

Your members are looking to you for direction. They’re navigating a confusing, competitive environment — often feeling devalued or overlooked. Help them tell a stronger story.

Give them the language and tools to:

  • Advocate for their value at the local and national level

  • Connect their work to today’s priorities

  • Engage with policymakers in a solutions-focused, collaborative tone

They will in turn strengthen your own advocacy efforts. 

Be Relentlessly Relevant

Finally, associations must be bolder in demonstrating their own relevance. This means moving beyond traditional lobbying and into active coalition-building, evidence-based storytelling, and innovative policy partnerships.