Advocacy Support Program
Empowering Our Members to Overcome Trade Barriers
At MBNA, we are committed to supporting our members in addressing improper restraints of trade. Our Advocacy Support Program is designed to help you navigate and overcome these challenges through a structured and efficient process.
How It Works
To initiate an advocacy request, members are required to fill out the MBNA Advocacy Request Form. This form gathers essential information needed to evaluate your complaint and determine the best course of action. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- Member’s name and contact information
- Cemetery name/owner/manager contact information
- Ownership and status of the cemetery (corporate, association, church, individual, etc.)
- Cemetery website hyperlink
- Cemetery social media hyperlinks
- Most popular media outlets in proximity to the cemetery
- Description of the restraint
- Whether the restraint is being threatened or enforced
- Enforcement actions taken by the cemetery
- Number of consumers impacted
- Date of the first restraint
- Actions taken by the Member
In addition to the form, please include copies of specific cemetery documents such as the interment right sales agreement, the cemetery deed/IR assignment, general rules and regulations, and any special rules and regulations. Depending on the nature of your complaint and the cemetery’s corporate structure, additional documents might be required.
Our Process
- Assessment: The MBNA Advocacy Committee will review each Advocacy Request Form to decide if it should be recommended for advocacy.
- Notification: If approved, you will be notified, and your request will be forwarded to the MBNA Advocate for further review.
- Review Period: The MBNA Advocate has 30 days to review the request. During this period, they may contact you for additional information.
- Engagement: If the Advocate accepts your request, you will receive an engagement agreement from the Advocate. Advocacy services are offered at a discounted rate of $150 per hour for MBNA members.
The engagement agreement will outline:
- Advocacy Plan: A detailed plan of action.
- Time Estimate: An estimate of the time required to address the issue.
- Retainer Fee: The initial fee required to begin the advocacy work.
By contacting MBNA, you agree that communications between you and the Advocate will be shared with the MBNA Board of Directors and the Advocacy Committee.
In cases where a request is declined, the Advocate will provide a written explanation.
Get Started Today!
We encourage all MBNA members facing trade restraints to utilize this valuable support program. Fill out the Advocacy Request Form and take the first step towards resolving your trade barriers with the expert assistance of the MBNA Advocacy Team.
Together, we can ensure fair practices and protect the interests of our members.
For additional questions or more information, contact us!