Advocates for Arthritis was created to engage ACR/ARHP members and patient advocates in political advocacy and increase awareness of rheumatology issues on Capitol Hill. Participants meet with members of Congress and staff to discuss current legislative issues that affect the rheumatology community as a whole. Advocates for Arthritis is an opportunity for ACR/ARHP members and patient advocates to establish valuable relationships with both legislators and staff. Additionally, it is a beneficial networking opportunity for members to discuss issues affecting their practice and patients.
Why Should I Attend Advocates for Arthritis?
+ expand all questions- hide all questions
+ I am not a lobbyist or up to date on the legislative issues. How can I be an effective advocate?- I am not a lobbyist or up to date on the legislative issues. How can I be an effective advocate?
The ACR will prepare all Advocates for Arthritis participants for their Capitol Hill visits with a legislative briefing from our Washington, D.C. lobbying firm, Patton Boggs, LLP, on March 15. The program is designed to make you comfortable with meeting with members of Congress and provide knowledge on the issues you will be discussing. Each advocacy team will have at least one experienced team leader that will help with your Capitol Hill visits. |
+ I am busy with patients. How much time will this take away from the office?- I am busy with patients. How much time will this take away from the office?
Advocates for Arthritis will begin Monday, March 15 at 8 AM, and conclude around 5:00 PM on March 16. With a flight into Washington, D.C. anytime on Sunday and a flight out of Washington, D.C. on Tuesday evening, you can plan on only missing two days at the office. |
+ Why can’t I just write my member of Congress an e-mail about the issues? Why do I have to attend?- Why can’t I just write my member of Congress an e-mail about the issues? Why do I have to attend?
While all communication with a Congressional office is good, attending a fly-in is important for two reasons:
Constituent visits to a congressional office (at home or on Capitol Hill) have a greater impact on a legislator than an e-mail, fax or letter because it shows dedication and commitment to certain issues. In addition, it allows you to build a relationship with your legislators. Attending Advocates for Arthritis will provide you the opportunity to network with other rheumatologists, rheumatology health professionals, and patients and advocate for a common cause.
|
+ How can I afford travel accommodations when I am on a tight budget?- How can I afford travel accommodations when I am on a tight budget?
The ACR’s Advocates for Arthritis program is different from other organizations. As you have taken time out of your schedule to advocate for the rheumatology community, the ACR will cover your travel costs. The ACR encourages both old and new advocates to apply for participation. To ensure the program reaches new advocates and new congressional offices, there is an application process and not all applicants are accepted. |
+ I cannot attend Advocates for Arthritis because of a schedule conflict. How can I still benefit from the event and what the ACR has to offer?- I cannot attend Advocates for Arthritis because of a schedule conflict. How can I still benefit from the event and what the ACR has to offer?
If you personally are unable to attend, you can still make an impact. Encourage a colleague or a patient to attend; this is a great event for anyone, regardless of their advocacy background, as long as they have an interest in advocating for issues related to rheumatology. |
For more information on Advocates for Arthritis Capitol Hill fly-in, contact the ACR at .
