Freelancers deserve to get paid. With more Americans freelancing than ever, we need your help in passing legislation everywhere.

The very first Freelance Isn’t Free law went into effect almost 10 years ago on May 15, 2017. The first of its kind in the nation, the law guarantees freelancers the right to a contract, payment within 30 days, and protection from retaliation.

In the years since, the law has gone on to be adopted in Los Angeles, Columbus, Minneapolis, and Seattle, as well as statewide in New York and California.

Here are some steps to take to get Freelance Isn’t Free enacted where you live. Keep in mind that this is a multi-year effort; it will take time, but these protections are worth the fight.

1. Build political will
   
   The first — and most important — step to getting Freelance Isn’t Free is proving that there is a need for it. If you haven’t already, form a group of freelancers who can express what the Freelance Isn’t Free Act would make a material difference in their lives. Tell your stories through social media, the press, and live events to attract attention, and consider creating petitions and letter writing campaigns so others can support you as well.
2. Find partners and allies to create support 
   
   Reach out to like-minded groups and find out how you can support each other. Demonstrate to them how a freelance protection bill could be beneficial to them, or groups they represent. Ask if they are willing to add their names to a memorandum of support, or share key contacts. Find ways to show up for them, too, whether it’s appearing by their side at a rally, or amplifying their message on social media. Consult with legal aid and pro bono groups as well.
3. Understand the law and how it will be enforced
   
   Learn the ins and outs of various Freelance Isn’t Free laws and how it’s applied in different cities and states. Where has it helped freelancers, and in what ways can the law be improved? Are there specific needs that freelancers have in your city that you can seek to address? Which government agency will enforce the law, and how? These are all questions to make sure you can answer.
4. Start at the local level
   
   Another way you can build political will for the law is by starting with lower-level elected officials. Reach out to your city councilor, but also members of your community board, board of county supervisors, or even members of the school board to lend support for the cause. When you start to add validators from the halls of power, you become more difficult to ignore.
5. Meet with elected officials
   
   It’s easy to forget — because they often don’t act like it — but elected officials work for you. That means you are well within your right to call, email, and request meetings with them. Save this step for once you’ve been able to build up support in your community, and you know that this is an elected official who wants to go to bat for freelancers. You can ask them to introduce a Freelance Isn’t Free bill, or to sponsor a bill that’s already been introduced.
6. Let us know what you’re up to!
   
   Are you working on getting Freelance Isn’t Free passed into law in your city? Keep us in the loop. We know our members are resourceful — we want to hear how you’re building power across the country. We have the tools and resources to support you.