Following the recent Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, Marc Hoppers—a member of Voices for Innovation’s Advisory Task Force—wrote a terrific blog about getting involved in tech policy advocacy.
A longtime member and leader of the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP), Marc headed up the organization’s Advocacy Committee for several years. In this role, he became involved with VFI and advocated on a number of issues, including, “skilled immigration reform, fair contracting standards, patent reform, electronic communications privacy, computer science requirements, and STEM in K-12.”
Marc eloquently notes that he has developed advocacy skills and now has a voice in policy debates that goes beyond the world of technology.
“I have gained my voice, and I am using it. I use it beyond issues related to Microsoft… beyond issues related to IAMCP, and beyond issues related to technology and small business. I have a voice because [Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer] Brad Smith and his team helped me understand how to use it effectively and train others to use theirs. This is no joke. Brad Smith’s commitment to investing in partners has given me and many others a voice in the policy matters of our day. I may be a small business owner, a technology guy, an association leader, but I’m also a husband, a father, a friend… and a citizen. My voice matters… when I know how to use it.”
Please take a moment to read Marc’s entire post, “Giving Business… and Me… a Voice.”
