All-Star Advocacy – What It's All About

By Christine Baker, PAC Manager

Many of you have heard about our new All Star Advocate leadership positions within the AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA-CAN). There were a lot of requests for more information, but not many individuals signed up for the job! So, let's clear up some misconceptions.

First, to answer a common question: The All-Star Advocate position is only as time-consuming as you make it. All-Star Advocates do invest a bit more time than the average AVMA-CAN member (who typically responds to calls to action), but the time required will not overwhelm you! Give us as much time as you've got, and we'll find ways to make you an advocacy leader.

Second, here's what we need: What we need is an All-Star Advocate to serve as a contact in each Congressional District and lead advocacy with their Member of Congress. And don't worry -- this is easier than you thought! You might already provide treatment for your Congressman's pets or live next door to your Congresswoman. Maybe your kids go to school together or play on sports teams together. Or perhaps you've already been an advocate on behalf of veterinary issues or other causes, and you're familiar with the congressional staff. Whatever the connection, it's a great step in the right direction. If you don't have any connections, now is the perfect time to make them!

Third, here's what you do: Now that the election is finally over, many of you have a new Congressman or Senator. Things will be hectic for a new member, and most won't have their staff in place until sometime in early 2009. For those of you with returning Members, take the opportunity to congratulate them on their re-election and introduce or re-introduce yourself as a source of reliable information on veterinary issues.

Then, you can invite your colleagues to do the same. Part of being an All-Star is being a leader. You're already good at that; think of all the clients you advise everyday. Just get your friends, family, clients and colleagues to join AVMA-CAN and help us advocate for the veterinary profession.

When you attend your state VMA meetings (you should attend regularly!), make a pitch for joining AVMA-CAN and AVMAPAC. Recruit new members to contact their representatives and donate to AVMAPAC to help us fund the fight. Tell them why you do these things and why it's important to you. Give an update on the legislation AVMA is working on and let the members know how it will affect them.

And, finally: When your Congressman or Senator conducts a town hall meeting, you should try to attend with other veterinarians in the district to initiate discussions on veterinary issues. In the new year, you should try to schedule a meeting to introduce yourself and your colleagues to the Member and their staff. Start attending VMA meetings and encourage others to join AVMA-CAN and AVMAPAC. And, definitely, encourage others to subscribe to The AVMA Advocate to stay informed on AVMA legislative priorities.

As your time permits, you can be more active, but creating and maintaining a relationship with your legislator and enrolling new members into AVMA-CAN is what being an All Star is all about.

For more information, contact Christine Baker.