Convenience stores are the heart of Minnesota communities. People visit us for snacks, fuel, restroom stops and sometimes a safe place to rest. Our staff members are the friendly faces you find behind the counters who often remember you by name and work late nights to support travelers on their way to their destination. Beyond serving our neighbors, we have another vital role: engaging in the political conversation.

Now, don’t worry, I’m not asking for anything fancy here. I am from the Midwest after all. Political engagement doesn’t have to mean being on TV or giving speeches … although, if you’re up for it, more power to you! It is really about the small, impactful steps to make your voice heard: writing a quick letter on the impacts of swipe fees on you and your business, sending an email about retail crime or even a two-minute phone call with a legislative aid. It could also mean hosting elected officials in your store. These small actions can make a huge difference, and here’s why they are important.

Convenience Stores Are Community Pillars

Convenience stores are much more than simply a place where “Cokes and smokes” are sold. Convenience stores are often a community gathering spot and are frequently the only place open late at night, early morning or on holidays. As a result, many convenience stores and their employees know firsthand the local issues impacting our neighborhoods most. We see the challenges our customers and suppliers face, whether they are related to the economy, roads and infrastructure, or public safety. That gives us a unique perspective and insight that few other professions or industries can match.

By sharing your experiences, you are not only speaking for yourself, but also for your neighbors, customers and key partners. You are a true advocate of the community. Helping our lawmakers understand what’s happening in your small corner of the world can help them make decisions that better reflect the needs of your community.

Small Actions Can Yield Huge Results

After an election, some may wonder if their voice actually matters. It absolutely does. I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made by local, state and federal officials directly and frequently affect my business and my team. Product regulations, licensing fees and labor laws impact our bottom line, the opportunities we can provide our staff, and our ability to serve customers. When convenience store operators and staff speak up, it is extremely valuable to elected officials. It helps them understand the realities of operating a convenience store and the challenges faced by Main Street businesses.

Your Knowledge Can Help Shape Policies That Affect You

Elected officials rely on information from a variety of sources to make decisions, but one of the most impactful is hearing directly from constituents—those who live and work in their districts. As convenience store operators, we have a unique advantage, with locations in virtually every community in the United States. We have the opportunity to share with our representative what’s working, what needs fixing and what concerns us most.

If you’re unsure of what to say, don’t sweat it. Just be honest and speak from your experiences. It can be as simple as expressing appreciation for an official attending a ribbon cutting for your new location, describing challenges faced in staffing your store, or even explaining how certain regulations are impacting your business. The most important thing to remember is to share your own personal story.

Dig Your Well Before You Get Thirsty

A prudent person prepares for the future and plants trees and digs wells before they need shade or become thirsty. The same approach needs to be taken when building relationships.

When you reach out, even with just a quick note or call, you’re building a connection and opening a door that may lead to a lasting bond between you and your representatives. Over time, this connection can grow and become incredibly valuable. Politicians are more likely to pay attention to your concerns if they’ve heard from you before. By engaging now, you’re laying the groundwork for a positive relationship with your elected officials both now and in the future.

We Minnesotans are proud of our civic engagement. We’re known for our friendliness and willingness to step up when needed. You may have heard of “Minnesota nice.” For me, it is also about honoring a tradition that reflects our American values—doing the right thing and working hard to keep our communities connected and strong.

Political Engagement Is Easier Than You Think

Organizations like NACS make political engagement accessible. If the thought of contacting an elected official seems intimidating, don’t worry. You don’t need to throw on a suit and fly out to D.C. You don’t even need to drive to your state capitol. Here are a couple simple ways to participate at home:

• Write a letter or email: Keep your eye out for emails from NACS urging you to reach out to your representatives on an important issue—members of Congress need to hear directly from us (their constituents).

• Make a phone call: A quick call can make a big impact. NACS can help facilitate the call or provide the relevant contact information.

• Host a NACS In Store event: NACS can help you host an elected official at your store so that the official can learn about your business and the communities you serve.

And if you’re ready to jump right in, consider attending NACS Day on the Hill (DOH) in D.C. DOH is an incredible opportunity to share your story directly with our federal lawmakers and have conversations about the issues that matter to our industry. I’ve attended many times, and it’s helped me build lasting relationships and make my voice heard. This year, DOH takes place on March 11-12. I hope to see you there!

At the end of the day, participating in the political process is about supporting your community, keeping it vibrant and strong and protecting your livelihood. We are often the last stop on the way home from work or school and the first stop as people head out for the day, serving everyone from first responders and essential workers to people on their way to that important job interview or rushing to see loved ones. We play a big role in our communities.

And we don’t have to do anything grand to make a difference. With the combined numbers of the over 152,000 retail locations in this industry, we have the numbers to create a powerful impact.

If you have any questions about any of our grassroots efforts, please reach out to NACS Political Engagement Director Katie Bohny at kbohny@convenience.org.