---
title: "Powering Advocacy — Why PACs Matter for Associations"
id: "56764"
type: "post"
slug: "powering-advocacy-why-pacs-matter-for-associations"
published_at: "2025-11-20T15:34:55+00:00"
modified_at: "2025-11-20T15:34:55+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2025/11/20/powering-advocacy-why-pacs-matter-for-associations/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2025/11/20/powering-advocacy-why-pacs-matter-for-associations.md"
excerpt: "Associations Now Presents podcast episode 16"
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  - "AssociationsNow"
  - "C-suite"
  - "Leadership"
  - "Legislation"
  - "PACs"
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  - "Article"
taxonomy_role:
  - "Association CEO / Executive Director"
  - "Executive Team"
taxonomy_persona:
  - "Executive Leadership"
---

[Home](https://associationsnow.com/)
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 » Powering Advocacy — Why PACs Matter for Associations

In this episode of Associations NOW Presents, guest host Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, president and CEO of the Ohio Society of Association Professionals, is joined by Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public and Governance Officer at ASAE; Dawn Mancuso, CEO of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry; and Mark Falzone, President of Scenic America. Together, they dive into the essential role Political Action Committees play in advancing association advocacy. The discussion breaks down PAC compliance requirements, why PACs matter in today’s legislative environment, and how associations can more effectively engage their members and leaders in political action. The guests highlight recent advocacy wins—including efforts to halt costly tax reforms—and underscore the need for consistent participation to ensure the association community’s voice is heard. The episode closes with a clear message: advocacy is a shared responsibility, and association leaders must stay active to protect and advance their missions.

Check out the video podcast here:

Audio podcast: [https://associationsnow.podbean.com/e/powering-advocacy-why-pacs-matter-for-associations/ (opens in a new tab)](https://associationsnow.podbean.com/e/powering-advocacy-why-pacs-matter-for-associations/)

*Associations NOW Presents* is produced by [Association Briefings (opens in a new tab)](https://associationbriefings.com/)
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[ASAE Staff](https://associationsnow.com/author/asae-staff/)

[More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/asae-staff/)

Tags: [#Advocacy](https://associationsnow.com/tag/advocacy/)
 [#C-suite](https://associationsnow.com/tag/c-suite/)
 [#Leadership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/leadership/)
 [#Legislation](https://associationsnow.com/tag/legislation/)
 [#PACs](https://associationsnow.com/tag/pacs/)

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