Advocacy Toolkit for neurology
Advocacy
This toolkit offers a helpful checklist of resources for those interested in AAN Advocacy. Whether you only have a few minutes or can commit to an entire day, you'll find tools for advocates at any level to be involved.
Resources to complete your advocacy checklist
Quickly access: Neurology off the Hill | Tips for meeting with legislators & their staff | Advocacy you can do in a minute | Advocacy you can do in an hour | Advocacy you can do in a day
Neurology Off the Hill
What is Neurology Off the Hill?
Take the opportunity to meet with your members of Congress during the August recess. Most members take this month away from Washington, DC, to spend time with constituents. This creates the perfect time for you to reach out and create a personal connection and ongoing relationship with your representative’s office.
Types of Off the Hill Visits
- Visit a legislator's district office
- Invite your representatives to visit your office, lab, hospital, or institution
- Invite representatives and other policymakers to your local event
- Invite patients to Off the Hill events to help frame the conversation around their experiences
How to Schedule an Off the Hill Meeting
Interested in meeting with your representatives this August? Reach out to AAN staff at advocacy@aan.com.
Tips for meeting with legislators & their staff
- Arrive early, be prepared to wait
- Keep it local; make the connection to home.
- “My name is Dr. _____ and I have practiced at ______ for the last _____ years. (Share a personal story)
- Use storytelling to help your issue stick with the office
- Say THANK YOU!
- Share your business card with the legislative staffer and offer to be a resource. Follow up with thank you email
- You don’t have to be an expert on the policy. Have fun and enjoy your meeting!
- A successful meeting can be the beginning of a solid working relationship with your legislator and their staff
- Remember social media: it is an easy way to engage with congressional offices before and after visits. Be sure to include a photo and tag #AANadvocacy and @AANMember
How much time do you have to dedicate to advocacy?
Advocacy Action Center – Quickly and easily contact your members of Congress and state policymakers and participate in AAN Advocacy efforts on state and national levels.
Capitol Hill Report—The academy’s bi-weekly update on legislative action and advocacy for neurology. Read the latest news on how the AAN is fighting for neurology in Washington, DC.
Sign up for your federal and state legislators' newsletters
- Find out who represents you on the federal and state level:
Advocate on Social Media—Check out how the AAN and your peers advocate for neurology and join the discussion.
- Follow these accounts on Twitter:
- Retweet, like, and share what others are saying by searching and using #AANadvocacy as a hashtag
- Other Social Accounts to Follow:
Learn more about your State Neurosociety or State Medical Society to ensure that neurologists and their patients' voices and concerns are represented in the legislative, regulatory, and payer arenas
- Don’t see a neurosociety in your state? Contact the AAN at advocacy@aan.com
Advocacy Resident Education Webinars—Learn how to build your advocacy efforts for yourself and your patients during residency
- Advocacy Basics (20 minutes)
- Advocacy Skills Toolbox (17 minutes)
- More webinars to help transition from training into practice
Define your story—many members of Congress are unfamiliar with neurology on its impact on their state, district, and constituents. Personal stories put a “face” to an issue and resonate more than just facts and figures. Take some time to recall and prepare a concise, compelling story to have the best chance of being remembered.
Off the Hill (see above)
Rally for Medical Research: The Rally for Medical Research is held every September and includes more than 300 national organizations coming together to meet with congressional offices to advocate for increased NIH funding and raise awareness about the importance of continued investment in medical research.
Town Hall Project: an organization that works to empower constituents across the county to have face-to-face conversations with their elected officials. Their event listings include:
- Town halls
- Other public events with members of Congress in their district/state
- Ticketed events in the district/state
- Staff office hours
- Opportunities in Washington, DC to speak with your representative
Fundraisers: Attend fundraisers to support those in your community working for AAN priorities. For information about fundraiser opportunities, please email advocacy@aan.com
Hill Days: Participate in other hill days on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC organized by medical societies and patient organizations. Visit their websites to get more details.