We live in a great country. Im foregoing my originally planned article this time because I just returned with other PIA delegates from Washington, D.C. and I need to share my enthusiasm. Ive been going to Washington with the Professional Insurance Agents for five years for the annual Federal Legislative Summit now. Its such a great experience I can barely contain my excitement.

You know that old joke, I just flew in from Washington, D.C. and boy, are my arms tired? Well, this year, I wore a pedometer while making visits to my representatives in our nations capital " I walked more than 10 miles in a single day. My feet are still killing me!

But my point is its an awesome experience to walk through the halls of Congress as an American, and take part first-hand in the makings of grassroots lobbying. I truly wish every agent would do this at least once in his or her career. I know our associations send us form letters to sign and send to policy makers on issues we need to speak up about and take a position on. And many of us dutifully sign our names and send the letters. But to actually be there and speak face-to-face with your representative is an unparalleled experience. And it works better. One staffer I spoke with told me his office doesnt even look at the form letters. So, the message is: personalize your letters, make a personal phone call, or if you can, seek out the opportunity to meet with your legislator or his/her staff and speak with them face to face. Agents have a voice and we can affect positive policy change. But, we have to be willing to put our own time and effort into it.

While I was at the airport, I ran into an old friend, Steve Spiro, CLU, ChFC, president of Spiro Risk Management Inc. in Valley Stream, N.Y., and past president of the IIABNY. He was on his way to Syracuse for a board meeting of that association. Like me, hes still putting in time as a volunteer many years after his presidency. Steves a smart guy. He and I know that one of the secrets to our success is that we stay involved. The return on our investment is ten-fold the time we put in, and we both agreed we need more volunteers in this industry. Of course, telling our representatives that we oppose federal oversight and support state regulation is important. The repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act would be catastrophic with an insurance czar taking away our states rights. Making sure policymakers know that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act must be extended is important and worthy of our efforts in and of itself.

Anyway, while the wind was still in my sails, I wanted to share the thoughts that my trip invoked. They really boil down to the importance of giving back to the industry and making your voice as an agent heard. If youre looking to get your hands dirty (or feet tired, as in my case) contact your association. There are spots on the local advisory board councils, as board members, and a whole host of ways agents can take an active roll through membership. Its one of the best things you can do for your business.

N. Stephen Ruchman is president of Ruchman Associates Inc. in Rockville Centre, N.Y. and a past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. He is also vice president of the PIANY political action, government affairs and industry liaison committees, and he sits on the producers advisory panel for Utica First Insurance Co.