December 1998
Volume 62 |
Number 12
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| Make a Commitment
to Political Involvement |
Manuel
E. Bonilla, ASA Federal Affairs Coordinator
The beginning of the year is a great time to make a commitment
to help the profession of anesthesiology through political involvement.
Following are some techniques to utilize in initiating and building
a relationship with your state or federal legislator.
Educate yourself about your legislator. Find
out about the legislator's background, including voting record.
Follow the activities of the legislator in the news. Visit the
legislator's Web site.
Be where the legislator is. Attend town hall
meetings hosted or attended by the legislator. Introduce yourself
as a constituent and anesthesiologist who would like to be more
involved with the legislator.
Visit the legislator. Schedule a visit with the
legislator and/or staff in the local office. The telephone number
is listed in the telephone book under "Government." Ask about
the approaching legislative session and the types of health-related
bills expected to be considered.
Extend an invitation to the legislator. Invite
your legislator to speak to your local or state medical society
or state anesthesiology society. Invite the legislator or staff
member to visit your hospital or surgical center to tour the facility
and view a surgical procedure.
Host a "meet and greet." Invite a legislator
into your home to meet your neighbors and colleagues over coffee
and tea.
Participate in the legislator's campaign. Volunteer
to serve on the legislator's steering or finance committee. Host
a fund-raiser for the legislator. Organize physicians in support
of the legislator.
Contact your state component or the ASA Washington Office
for more information. There are many ways to become active
as a Key Contact or a member of your state component society on
the state and federal levels. Get involved!
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