Washington D.C. could use a dose of reality, compassion and bipartisanship. IFA is hoping the Franchise Action Broadcast will accomplish this, and more.
By Ryan Kennedy
In 2017, IFA has faced a new question amid the unpredictable political environment: How can we help constituents become closer to their members of Congress, when everything seems to be pulling citizens and officials apart? In a time where Americans feel under-represented and disgruntled about politics, IFA hit the halls of Congress to help elected officials connect with constituents in a completely new way.
Enter Franchise Action Broadcast — a project created specifically to show a different side of congressional leaders in a fun, interactive, and productive manner. Franchise Action Broadcast, happily dubbed “FAB,” gives members of Congress a platform to say anything they want to their constituents — anything except matters of policy, regulations or elections. Instead, officials answer questions such as, “What is your favorite ice cream?” or “Who is going to win the Super Bowl next year?” Of course, IFA takes the opportunity to ask how the franchise model plays a role in their home districts, whether through economic growth or community impact. In every instance, these members highlight the undeniable power franchising has back home, and some even pointed to specific franchise owners going above and beyond to lift up their own communities.
This project highlights the common thread between elected officials and their constituents: despite an important day job, every person has a story to share. With congressional favorability ratings at an all-time low, FAB is a welcome reprieve to the constant stream of callous rhetoric, political party infighting, and routine finger-pointing behavior that plays out on a national scale each day. Moreover, most Americans find their only connection with elected officials is through mainstream media outlets. When perception is reality, it’s easy to see why Congress is less favorable than traffic jams (another D.C. mainstay).
Franchise Action Broadcast doesn’t seek to let elected officials off easy. IFA holds elected officials accountable for their votes, just like you. But far too often, members of Congress are portrayed as celebrities on television when in actuality, they are small business owners, doctors, lawyers and everyday Americans who want to see a stronger economy and more opportunity for all. Washington, D.C. could use a dose of reality, compassion and bipartisanship. IFA is hoping to accomplish that and much more through Franchise Action Broadcast. Check back regularly on IFA’s Twitter (@franchise411) and Franchise Action Network Twitter (@franchiseaction) to see if your member of Congress has sat down for a FAB interview — you might learn something you never knew about your representatives in Congress. You’ll learn which representative thinks David Spade would play themselves best in a movie, which senator has created an ingenious method for mowing their lawn, and which representative taught Ted Kennedy’s wife how to play tennis.
It’s easy to talk to your members of Congress! IFA members are speaking with members of Congress this week at the Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting, Sept. 11-13 in Washington, D.C.
Find out more about IFA’s FAN Annual Meeting at: https://www.franchise.org/fan.
Ryan Kennedy is Manager of Public Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association.