Advocacy Course for Family Medicine Professionals

Learn why "all politics is local" by exploring the unique qualities and faster pace of change in state and local advocacy. Here you will discover how to identify contacts, find local coalitions, and craft a strong, credible advocacy campaign in your own community.

By the end of this section, participants should be able to:

1. Define the benefits of local advocacy and the differences between it and advocacy at the federal level
2. Know how to get started in state and local advocacy
3. Find and contact their legislators and local officials 
4. Plan and develop a strong local advocacy campaign
5. Build relationships and coalitions with legislators and other community leaders

Navigate the complexities of the federal government, from the annual budget and appropriations process to understanding the roles of committees, staffers, and caucuses. This lesson equips you with strategies to stay motivated, make your voice heard, and advance your priorities even during challenging periods of political gridlock or government shutdowns. Includes an interactive glossary with optional  research activities to help take action right away.

By the end of this section, participants should be able to:

1. Explain some key terms relating to Congressional legislation
2. Learn about some of the key people with whom they will be interacting in advocacy work
3. Persevere with advocacy efforts despite gridlocks in Congress
4. Understand how a bill moves through the legislative process, and where it can die
5. Key terms for advocating at the federal government level

The lesson walks you through the five steps of advocacy to help you prepare, contact, meet, and follow up with your legislators. You will learn best practices for scheduling visits, making impactful phone calls, writing persuasive emails, and leveraging social media to build relationships with lawmakers.

By the end of this section, participants should be able to:

1. Prepare for their advocacy efforts
2. Find their legislator and his or her information
3. Determine how best to make contact and meet with the legislator
4. Set the groundwork for the relationship
5. Communicate with legislators through various channels, including social media

Discover how to distill complex policy issues into a single, compelling document that keeps your priorities top-of-mind for busy policymakers. This lesson breaks down the anatomy of an effective one-pager, teaching you how to craft a precise legislative "Ask" backed by powerful data and personal patient anecdotes.

By the end of this section, participants should be able to:

1. Know the anatomy of a one-pager
2. Explain the importance of a one-pager
3. Target their ask
4. Provide background
5. Write a one-pager that's concise and effective

Step confidently into your next legislative meeting by learning exactly what to expect during a typical congressional visit. This lesson provides practical advice on delivering your message, managing meeting anxiety, and strategically following up to position yourself as a trusted health care resource for elected officials.

By the end of this section, participants should be able to:

1. Prepare for the first visit
2. Know what to expect during the visit
3. Interact with their legislator
4. Position themselves as a trusted resource
5. Have an effective visit with their legislator, including being clear about the "ask"
6. Follow up effectively after the visit

Put your advocacy skills into practice by navigating a real-world scenario focused on securing crucial funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). You will practice differentiating agency missions, delivering compelling talking points, and tailoring your pitch to resonate with skeptical audiences.