Advocacy – Just Do It

Advocacy work has changed my life.  That is a strong statement and a true statement. I do not want to set your expectations too high on what advocacy work can do for you, but building relationships with my federal and state representatives has reinforced my faith in the power and beauty of our democracy.  Here are a couple of brief stories that might serve as examples. 

While attending the AAOE conference in Washington DC in 2014, I participated in an AAOE advocacy event and had scheduled appointments to meet with the staff of my Representative and Senators.  The prospect of a visit on the Hill may be intimidating, but I have always been put at ease by the staff who are so appreciative that you took the time to come visit them and talk about something that is important to you.  After my scheduled visits, I decided to visit the rest of the offices for New England. Without appointments, I walked into every office and asked if someone could sit with me.  Every office said yes and sat with me just like I had a scheduled visit.  I was inspired by their willingness to meet with me. 

 The real work starts after your visit. That is when you need to follow up with the folks you met with.  Every visit to your Representative or Senator needs to be accompanied by an ask. The follow up involves checking in with them to see if any progress has been made.  Do not be discouraged if you only speak to legislative assistants in the office.  Often, they are the champions of issues and work closely with the member of Congress. 

One of the most impactful things you can do is to pick up the phone and call a congressional office.  Do not just think about what they can do for you. Think about what you can do for them. Call their office and let them know that you are an orthopedic administrator who is a useful resource if they ever need input on a healthcare issue.  Advance the conversation to include an invitation for the member to visit your office and be introduced to your physicians and staff. 

Many of my trips to Washington DC have been to advocate for Muscular Dystrophy research funding. All my children have accompanied me on trips and participated in the advocacy work. On one visit, my daughter and I met with the chief of staff for a representative. We had rehearsed who was going to say what. When I started talking, the chief of staff respectfully held up has hand and asked me to stop.  He wanted to hear what my daughter had to say. I sat back and watched my 14-year-old daughter conduct an entire advocacy meeting on her own.  When she finished, he said yes to all her asks and then spent time talking with her about our government. A proud moment for me as a father, but a great example of the kindness you will find in the offices of those who represent you. Washington DC is a beautiful place. The beauty is obvious in the buildings. Sometimes, we need to be reminded of the beauty of its inhabitants on both sides of the aisle.