The Power of Showing Up
What ASAE Legislative Fly-In Day taught us about the simple act of showing up and the powerful influence it can create.
By Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, TSAE
WALKING THROUGH THE halls of Congress during ASAE Legislative Fly-In Day gave me something I always appreciate: perspective.
This year’s trip to Washington, D.C. was about far more than policy conversations. It was a reminder of what becomes possible when associations fully recognize the power of their collective voice and choose to use it intentionally.
One of the highlights for me was joining Gloria Aguilera Terry, CEO of the Texas Council on Family Violence, during several of her congressional meetings. Watching advocacy happen in real time was both inspiring and instructive. The pace was fast, the conversations complex, and the schedules packed, but what stood out most was how effective simple clarity and authentic relationships can be in moving important conversations forward.
That experience reinforced something I deeply believe. People connect to people before they connect to policy.
What also became incredibly clear throughout the Fly-In was the strength of the association community as a whole. Leaders from across the country showed up representing vastly different industries, professions, and causes, yet there was a common thread running through nearly every conversation. Associations matter. They’re essential to how industries advance, how communities stay connected, and how expertise gets translated into real-world impact.
Congressional staff and policymakers aren’t just looking for statistics or white papers. They’re looking for trusted voices who can bring issues to life through experience, context, and credibility. Associations are uniquely positioned to do exactly that. Whether the topic was workforce development, tax policy, regulation, or industry challenges, the conversations that resonated most were the ones grounded in both data and human impact.
For TSAE, the opportunity ahead is significant.
With more than 1,100 members across Texas, we represent an extraordinary network of expertise, leadership, and influence. Every association in our community carries stories, insights, and solutions that deserve a seat at the table. Collectively, we have the ability to help shape conversations happening at the national level in ways we may not have fully realized yet.
That’s where I believe TSAE has an opportunity to lead boldly.
The Fly-In helped crystallize a vision for how we continue building TSAE’s advocacy presence. Not by trying to replicate someone else’s model, but by leaning into the unique strengths of Texas associations. We can equip our members to engage more confidently, create stronger pathways for involvement, and ensure Texas perspectives are consistently represented in federal conversations.
At the same time, this work requires humility and patience. The legislative process is complex, and meaningful changes rarely happen overnight. But I walked away encouraged by something important: congressional offices are willing to listen when leaders show up prepared, informed, and connected to real-world outcomes.
That matters.
Because meaningful progress starts when policymakers and practitioners are in the same conversation.
Looking ahead, my goal is clear. I want TSAE to be recognized not only as a leader within Texas, but as a respected national voice for the association community. By strengthening relationships, fostering collaboration, and staying consistently engaged, I believe TSAE can become a true force in advocacy and influence.
For me, the Fly-In wasn’t the finish line. It was the beginning of what comes next.
