have a seat at the table

To have an active role in some group or activity in which one's opinions are heard and one has influence in how decisions are made. The best thing about working for a smaller company is that it finally feels like I have a seat at the table and can actually influence how it operates. I decided to run for elected office because having a seat at the table is the only way to effect any real change. Our group is not demanding to dictate public policy. All we want is to have a seat at the table regarding how the state is run.