It’s finally August in Washington, D.C., and all is quiet on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress have packed their bags and left our nation’s capital to return to their home districts or states for what’s known as August recess. However, just because it’s called recess doesn’t mean lawmakers are taking a break. For some, it’s one of the most important months of the year.

The August recess period provides members of Congress with the opportunity to meet with their constituents and focus on local issues that require their attention. In a campaign year such as this one, they also return home to strategize and connect with voters ahead of the November election.

This month is full of opportunities to connect and build relationships with elected officials while Congress is out of session in D.C.

This month is full of opportunities to connect and build relationships with elected officials while Congress is out of session in D.C. NACS has a number of suggestions for convenience industry advocates to engage with their lawmakers at the grassroots level.

One of the best ways to engage with a member of Congress at home is to set up a convenience store tour through the NACS In Store program. NACS In Store visits allow legislators to connect with local business owners, their employees and constituents at the store level. Since legislators make the laws that can help or hurt your business, it’s critical they understand our industry and how we serve our communities.

Face-to-face meetings and personal stories can create a lasting personal connection that makes them more open to hearing your concerns.

During the store tour, the member of Congress even has the chance to put on a uniform and get behind the counter to ring up customers. Through first-hand experience and conversations with store management, associates and customers, who are also their constituents, they can gain a better understanding and appreciation for not only the store operation, but also for the industry as a whole. Through NACS In Store, elected leaders across the country can join the 2.44 million people who work in the industry serving an estimated 165 million Americans every day. And when they return to D.C., lawmakers are better informed and better equipped to make decisions about legislation and regulations that can impact our industry.

Another effective way to take action during the August recess is to set up a meeting with your representative in their district or state office. Face-to-face meetings and personal stories can create a lasting personal connection that makes them more open to hearing your concerns. When constituents meet their members of Congress in person, it holds them accountable. They’re reminded that they are representing real people with real concerns and not just abstract issues.

Wondering what you could meet with your legislators about? NACS is continuing its advocacy for the passage of the Credit Card Competition Act, which would tackle credit card swipe fees by introducing competition to the credit card marketplace. If swipe fees are one of your top expenses each year, consider bringing in your printed statements to show lawmakers their direct impact. Personal interactions in a district office like this can influence their opinion, and ultimately their vote on the CCCA.

You don’t have to do it on your own—reach out to NACS, and we can help schedule the meeting for you and even connect you with other convenience retailers who live or operate in the area to join the meeting as well.

NACS In Store visits allow legislators to connect with local business owners, their employees and constituents at the store level.

We understand that turning your attention away from your store to meet with members of Congress is a significant commitment. However, leveraging the August recess is an invaluable investment in your business and the future of our industry. NACS is fully committed to supporting our members’ efforts to build strong relationships with your members of Congress, and we can offer any assistance you need for effective and productive conversations, meetings, or In Store visits.

Our industry’s voice is only as powerful as the engagement of its members. By getting involved at the grassroots level, your participation can make a profound difference.