Advocacy
Education on
Beauty is Political, but how do you get involved?
The beauty industry is constantly changing, and sometimes, the direction industry leaders and legislators want to take in the industry in can be confusing or concerning. Here is a how-to guide from what we have learned and want to share with you.
Step One: Identify an Issue
We often face a variety of concerns, from licensing requirements to the quality of education, as well as health and safety stand surrounding various products. If you’re thinking about reaching out to a representative, take some time to dive into the issue. Research, gather important facts, and clarify why this matters—not just to you, but to others as well. Having a solid understanding of the problem lays the groundwork for impactful messages, effective strategies, and meaningful action. Your voice can make a difference!
Step Two: Research
To spark real change, it's essential to pinpoint who holds the power—whether that's policymakers, organizations, or everyday individuals—and understand what motivates them. When you craft your message to align with their values and interests, you're more likely to spark their interest and make an impact. Don't forget to seek out those who share your concerns; there may already be advocates in your corner working towards a similar cause. To help you kick off your journey, here are some valuable resources that can guide you along the way!
Resource:
Professional Beauty Association
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) supports a diverse beauty industry community with resources, professional development, and strategic connections. PBA offers many resources, professional development opportunities, and strategic connections to elevate careers and foster industry growth. Beyond career advancement, PBA advocates for the rights of beauty professionals and promotes a stronger, more inclusive industry.
Resource:
B4 Beauty
B4 Beauty (formerly Sovereign Stylist) is a vibrant community of over 40,000 beauty professionals dedicated to ethical, sustainable business practices. As a trusted resource, B4 Beauty empowers professionals with clear guidance in an often-overlooked area of the industry—business education—covering everything from legal compliance to financial sustainability. Join their online community or use their services.
Resource:
Atarashii Apprentice Program
The Atarashii Apprentice Program champions lifelong education and philanthropy in the beauty industry, advocating for accessible apprenticeship pathways since the early 2000s. If your state does not currently recognize apprenticeships as a legal route to licensure, you can support change by completing the form under their Industry Support tab. They will be a great resource for those who wish to bring apprentice options into thier state.
Resource:
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) is at the forefront of the movement to ensure safer beauty and personal care products for everyone. They offer vital information on product safety, highlighting potential health risks associated with cosmetic use. CSC also provides a wealth of resources to support research into health impacts, scientific findings, and evolving laws and regulations within the industry.
Resource:
Institute for Justice
The Institute for Justice is a nonprofit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting Americans from government overreach and defending the constitutional freedoms essential to pursuing their dreams. For over a decade, they’ve been at the forefront of eliminating unnecessary barriers in the beauty and grooming professions, offering impactful legal advocacy and in-depth industry research on the legal side of occupational licensing.
Resource:
Find Your Representative
To take your legislative inquiry to the next level, it’s crucial to connect with your local representatives, who play a key role in advocating for policy changes and ensuring your concerns are heard at the state level. While the legislative process can be lengthy, pursuing it is a powerful way to drive meaningful change and enhance the future of your beauty community. Your advocacy could be the catalyst for progress.
Step Three: Clear Messaging
The third step in effective advocacy is all about shaping a strong and captivating message. This means creating a message that not only explains the issue at hand but also highlights its importance and the specific change you’re championing. Your message should be compelling and easy to grasp, designed to resonate with your audience and ignite their passion to take action or lend their support.
Step Four:
Build a Coalition
The fourth step in your advocacy journey is all about rallying a coalition! Imagine bringing together a dynamic community of passionate individuals, groups, and organizations that share your mission. It’s like assembling an all-star team—by joining forces with those who align with your vision, you amplify your resources, broaden your reach, and create a powerful front for enacting change. Plus, here’s a neat little bonus: social media is a FREE tool at your fingertips to help you organize your efforts and galvanize support! Get ready to make some noise!
