The ACR is excited to be accepting applications for this year’s Advocates for Arthritis advocacy conference, held May 4–6 in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together the rheumatology community to advocate on Capitol Hill for the profession and rheumatic disease patients.
Participating in Advocates for Arthritis is a great way for ACR and ARP members to engage in the legislative process and increase lawmakers’ awareness of rheumatology. During the meeting, you will hear from ACR volunteer leaders, be trained on our priority issues and join a team from your area to educate members of Congress about current rheumatology issues affecting your community.
What is Advocates for Arthritis?
The event consists of one day of training followed by one day of meetings with federal lawmakers and their staff about important legislative issues facing rheumatology patients and providers. You will join colleagues and patients from your state to advocate for legislative action on ACR’s policy priorities, including access to care, utilization management, research, medical workforce support and drug pricing. To learn more about what it’s like to attend an ACR advocacy event, read an account from last May’s fly-in.
Who is invited to attend?
All ACR and ARP members are encouraged to apply, and it is free to attend—the ACR will cover travel and lodging costs.
Do I need any advocacy experience?
No—you already have all the experience you need by being able to share personal stories of how certain laws affect you and your patients. ACR staff and volunteer leaders will offer pre-event materials and advocacy training to get you up to speed and help you feel comfortable. You will conduct these meetings as a team with others from your state or region.
What are the legislative issues?
ACR volunteer leaders select the most relevant legislative topics from this year’s ACR policy priorities. This year, they will include patient access to care, utilization management, research, medical workforce support and drug pricing.
What is the schedule?
The event will consist of advocacy training and meetings with congressional offices. Save these dates on your calendar:
- Sunday, May 4 – Arrival in D.C.
- Monday, May 5 – Advocacy training and evening reception
- Tuesday, May 6 – Group meetings with members of Congress. Times will vary by state; attendees should plan to depart after 5 p.m.
This sounds great—how do I sign up?
Space is limited, so we encourage you to apply today to advocate with your colleagues and patients. The ACR will be notifying applicants of their status in the coming weeks.
