Home Is Where the Votes Are: In-District Grassroots Outreach (I-GO)
The AAO-HNS is continually advocating on behalf of its members and the specialty by monitoring legislation, writing comment letters to state and federal legislators, and by supporting pro-otolaryngology candidates for federal office through ENT PAC, the Academy’s political action committee. However, when dealing with elected officials, the most effective way to “lobby” on legislative issues is through you, our members, who are viewed as voters and constituents by legislators. Each year, a group of our dedicated members comes to Washington, DC, during the OTO Advocacy Summit and meets with their Members of Congress. These meetings are always professional and informative to the representatives and their staffs. However, after the meetings conclude, these officials often do not hear from our members for another 364 days. In order to amplify the voice of the specialty, and to be heard for more than just one day, the Academy is launching its In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) program. The main goal of I-GO is to engage members with their state and federal officials at home in their legislative districts. This helps Academy members to have their voices heard more frequently without the need to travel to Washington, DC, and it provides representatives with a helpful resource at home. How Do I Get Involved? Town Halls and Office Visits By far, the most effective method of advocating on behalf of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery is meeting face-to-face with policymakers. Legislators make this possible through periodically holding town halls or by hosting open office hours in their district offices, so their constituents can meet with them directly. The best way to learn about these events is to read your local paper or by reaching out to your official’s office. Or, simply email AAO-HNS Government Affairs at govtaffairs@entnet.org, and we can assist in your outreach. Fundraisers One constant in politics is the need to raise money. Whether it is federal or state politics, all politicians must hold fundraisers to get the resources they need to make their case to voters. Generally, fundraisers are small gatherings, which means they are great opportunities to get “face time” with candidates. Also, due to the nature of the event, you are considered a friendly person they can listen to for counsel on the issues. If you are a current ENT PAC investor, email entpac@entnet.org, and your donation to attend a fundraising event may be covered. Host a Legislator at Your Practice You will often see elected officials visiting small or new businesses in your area on “site visits.” These visits provide an opportunity for the official to hear directly from stakeholders and voters on certain legislation or regulations. They also provide a nice photo-op for any media that accompanies them to the location. Many physicians are more comfortable talking about healthcare issues on their own turf. Consider inviting a legislator to your office—a truly memorable and effective hands-on experience. The Pen Is Mightier… The majority of people who contact their elected officials write a letter or send an email. Legislators are well aware of this and monitor closely the issues being highlighted in their inboxes and mailboxes. A benefit of this method of communication is it is less time intensive than some of the other options. Here are some tips for effective letter writing: Share personal stories about your practice or training; Make a strong “ask” about what their position is/should be; Always keep a positive tone with no insults; and Make sure they know you are a physician/otolaryngologist/constituent/voter/business owner. Write a Letter to the Editor Everyone knows they need a physician; however, not everyone knows what a physician needs. Write a letter to your local paper, telling them about an issue that is being considered in Congress or your state legislature. Often, people are unaware of pending physician-related issues that could affect them, as patients, and the care they receive from their physicians. Also, since all public officials monitor their local media to see what is being discussed, it could help inform legislators as well. Where Do I Begin? First, if you are not a member of the ENT Advocacy Network (a free, yet rewarding, AAO-HNS member benefit) sign up today by emailing govtaffairs@entnet.org. Members of the Network are the first people to hear about public events in their area and are considered the “front line” for AAO-HNS Government Affairs efforts. Second, visit the Legislative Grassroots at www.entnet.org/advocacy. This resource features updated state and federal talking points, guides on talking to elected officials, writing samples, and links to current grassroots programs. The grassroots page is a great guide to help you when interacting with public officials in certain situations and a great way to keep informed about our issues and talking points. Finally, make sure to use the Government Affairs team as your resource. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out to a legislator’s office or have questions about a topic, simply email govtaffairs@entnet.org or call 1-703-535-3795. The team stands ready to help you make a difference!
The AAO-HNS is continually advocating on behalf of its members and the specialty by monitoring legislation, writing comment letters to state and federal legislators, and by supporting pro-otolaryngology candidates for federal office through ENT PAC, the Academy’s political action committee. However, when dealing with elected officials, the most effective way to “lobby” on legislative issues is through you, our members, who are viewed as voters and constituents by legislators.
Each year, a group of our dedicated members comes to Washington, DC, during the OTO Advocacy Summit and meets with their Members of Congress. These meetings are always professional and informative to the representatives and their staffs. However, after the meetings conclude, these officials often do not hear from our members for another 364 days.
In order to amplify the voice of the specialty, and to be heard for more than just one day, the Academy is launching its In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) program. The main goal of I-GO is to engage members with their state and federal officials at home in their legislative districts. This helps Academy members to have their voices heard more frequently without the need to travel to Washington, DC, and it provides representatives with a helpful resource at home.
How Do I Get Involved?
- Town Halls and Office Visits
By far, the most effective method of advocating on behalf of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery is meeting face-to-face with policymakers. Legislators make this possible through periodically holding town halls or by hosting open office hours in their district offices, so their constituents can meet with them directly. The best way to learn about these events is to read your local paper or by reaching out to your official’s office. Or, simply email AAO-HNS Government Affairs at govtaffairs@entnet.org, and we can assist in your outreach. - Fundraisers
One constant in politics is the need to raise money. Whether it is federal or state politics, all politicians must hold fundraisers to get the resources they need to make their case to voters. Generally, fundraisers are small gatherings, which means they are great opportunities to get “face time” with candidates. Also, due to the nature of the event, you are considered a friendly person they can listen to for counsel on the issues. If you are a current ENT PAC investor, email entpac@entnet.org, and your donation to attend a fundraising event may be covered. - Host a Legislator at Your Practice
You will often see elected officials visiting small or new businesses in your area on “site visits.” These visits provide an opportunity for the official to hear directly from stakeholders and voters on certain legislation or regulations. They also provide a nice photo-op for any media that accompanies them to the location. Many physicians are more comfortable talking about healthcare issues on their own turf. Consider inviting a legislator to your office—a truly memorable and effective hands-on experience. - The Pen Is Mightier…
The majority of people who contact their elected officials write a letter or send an email. Legislators are well aware of this and monitor closely the issues being highlighted in their inboxes and mailboxes. A benefit of this method of communication is it is less time intensive than some of the other options. Here are some tips for effective letter writing:- Share personal stories about your practice or training;
- Make a strong “ask” about what their position is/should be;
- Always keep a positive tone with no insults; and
- Make sure they know you are a physician/otolaryngologist/constituent/voter/business owner.
- Write a Letter to the Editor
Everyone knows they need a physician; however, not everyone knows what a physician needs. Write a letter to your local paper, telling them about an issue that is being considered in Congress or your state legislature. Often, people are unaware of pending physician-related issues that could affect them, as patients, and the care they receive from their physicians. Also, since all public officials monitor their local media to see what is being discussed, it could help inform legislators as well. - Where Do I Begin?
First, if you are not a member of the ENT Advocacy Network (a free, yet rewarding, AAO-HNS member benefit) sign up today by emailing govtaffairs@entnet.org. Members of the Network are the first people to hear about public events in their area and are considered the “front line” for AAO-HNS Government Affairs efforts.
Second, visit the Legislative Grassroots at www.entnet.org/advocacy. This resource features updated state and federal talking points, guides on talking to elected officials, writing samples, and links to current grassroots programs. The grassroots page is a great guide to help you when interacting with public officials in certain situations and a great way to keep informed about our issues and talking points.
Finally, make sure to use the Government Affairs team as your resource. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out to a legislator’s office or have questions about a topic, simply email govtaffairs@entnet.org or call 1-703-535-3795. The team stands ready to help you make a difference!
