How can we be most effective as citizens going to DC to advocate for health care reform?
We have to bring our personal stories to leaders of the country. We have the day-to-day experiences that we can bring to the table. We already advocate every day for our patients - we should take that to the next level: the state and then the federal government.
Her main points:
Many people in the audience seem to think that our government is broken. Only 4% of bills introduced are passed. Of those that pass ~ 33% are about renaming post offices and federal buildings. The founding fathers of this nation had set up a system with many checks and balances that does not work efficiently. The system was designed to work this way.
Money talks in Washington DC! But constituency also matters. Legislators want to know how you are involved with their constituents. The 14-year-old who picks up the phone still knows how to figure out your relation to constituents but doesn't know how much money you have donated. If we want to be active in the health care debate, you need to know how you are related to each individual legislator. Otherwise, honestly, they won't pay much attention to you.
Reading the bill is not the important part. Understanding the impact of the bill will make a big difference.
The August district work period is an essential time for contacting your legislators. They will be back in their local offices to do work during this period and it will be a great time to contact them.
Key message: Be Very Clear About What You Want!
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