Building Relationships with Legislators & Grassroots Advocacy

Chad Appel, JDState Advocacy Center for Prof. Advocacy

Benjamin WallnerAPMAPACLegislative Advocacy

What is Grassroots Advocacy?

• A movement which grows like the roots of stubborn grass. People can participate in grassroots advocacy on many levels, ranging from writing letters to political leaders to organizing educational workshops for members of their community.

Grassroots Advocacy

Can anyone names examples of successful grassroots advocacy initiatives?

Grassroots Advocacy Advances the Profession

Grassroots Advocacy

What types of grassroots advocacy have you engaged in?

Engaging in Grassroots Advocacy

Engaging in Grassroots Advocacy

Engaging in Political Advocacy

Practicing Grassroots Advocacy

Practicing Grassroots Advocacy

– Taylor Booth, Legislative Assistant• Office of Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

– Emily Shetty, Legislative Director• Office of Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY)

Practicing Grassroots Advocacy Today’s Mission: Obtain co-sponsorships for our Title XIX (Medicaid) bills from two members of Congress

Goals:- Hear from two Hill staffers on lobbying do’s and dont’s- Practice your pitch- Receive feedback- Ready to go forth and advocate for podiatric

medicine!

Practicing Grassroots Advocacy

The Equity and Access for Podiatric Physicians under Medicaid Act Key Points:– Amends “physician definition” to include

podiatrists– Studies showing cost savings and improved

outcomes (Thomson Reuters & Duke Studies)– Previous co-sponsor history

Take Action!

Host a Fundraiser! - Tool-kits available for you today

Engage in State Advocacy!- www.apma.org/stateadvocacyhandbook

Visit APMA Legislative Action Center!– www.apma.org/eAdvocacy

Questions? Contact Ben and Chad at advocacy@apma.org

or call us at (800) ASK APMA