In the world of facility management (FM), doing your job perfectly often means you aren't seen at all. As IFMA Executive Director of Government Affairs Jeff Johnson puts it, FM is often the "job hiding in plain sight." But staying invisible is no longer a strategic option.
If we want the built environment to be safe, sustainable and properly funded, facility managers must move from the boiler room to the boardroom and the legislative floor.
We recently sat down with Christa Dodoo (Chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors) and Lena Thompson (Chair of IFMA’s Government Affairs Committee) to discuss why advocacy is the "heartbeat" of the profession.
Advocacy vs. Government Affairs: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest takeaways from the session was the shift in how we view "Government Affairs." While that term can feel like something that only happens in a state capital, advocacy is a "contact sport." It is the simple process of supporting a cause — in this case, your profession.
As Christa noted, you don't need to be a politician to be an advocate. You just need to understand the value of your work and be vocal about it to your organization, your community and your government.
3 Reasons Why FM Advocacy is No Longer Optional
- If You’re Not at the Table, You’re on the Menu: If facility management professionals aren't part of the conversation, they inherit regulations that don't reflect operational reality. Advocacy ensures policy is informed by your data-driven expertise.
- Buildings are the Epicenter of the Economy: From hospitals to schools, if buildings don't run, the economy doesn't run. Advocacy helps elected officials understand that FM is essential infrastructure, not just overhead.
- It Future-Proofs the Profession: By advocating today, you are ensuring the next generation of FMs inherits a profession that is respected and influential.
Global Success Stories: Advocacy in Action
Advocacy isn't just theory, it’s getting results. The webinar highlighted several global wins:
- The United States: Success with the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act and designating FM as an "essential" profession during the pandemic.
- Europe: Inclusion of FM in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
- Singapore: The Singapore Chapter has become a "poster child" for advocacy, helping develop accreditation schemes for government FM service providers.
How You Can Get Involved Today
Advocacy starts at the local level. You don't have to reinvent the wheel, IFMA has developed a toolkit to help you get the ball rolling.
- Reach Out: Introduce yourself to local elected officials as a resource for built-environment issues.
- Share Your Story: Statistics are great, but stories from the field about safety, sustainability and performance are what change minds.
- Join a Committee: Establish or join a Government Affairs Committee within your local chapter.
The bottom line? No one is going to speak for the facility management profession if we don't do it ourselves. We have the expertise, the knowledge and the passion. Now, it’s time to use our voices.
Watch the full webinar above to hear the complete discussion and learn how you can become a champion for the built environment.