Advice for How to Get Involved
Dr. Desir advises anyone interested in hosting events “to call the local campaign and let them know that you would like to host a fundraiser. There may even be a sign-up link on the campaign website. The first time that I gave a fundraiser, I asked the ACR staff to contact the campaign for me. I would recommend forming a small committee of friends to help with organization, emailing, food, set-up, clean-up, etc. The campaign staff will be an invaluable resource.”
Hosting fundraising events “doesn’t always have to be about big dollar amounts,” Dr. Desir points out. For example, her “ask” for a 2012 event, “Hats On for Obama,” was $20 a person. The goal was to reach out to women in New Haven who didn’t necessarily have a lot of money, but who could help with getting out the vote on Election Day. “It was a Sunday afternoon and 300 church ladies came with their hats on to my backyard,” she recalls. Publicity about the event got the attention of the state Democratic Party and other officials who came to engage with their constituents. So hosting events can provide an opportunity for constituents to present issues to elected officials. And asking for money for what you consider a good cause or a good candidate is “almost easy.”
Dr. Desir stresses again the resources the ACR can furnish for such events. “They will help you with position statements about issues pertaining to patient care, patient access to treatment and government support for research.” For more information on how you can get involved, visit the ACR’s Legislative Action Center or email ACR Government Affairs staff at [email protected].
Editor’s note: It’s not too late to make your 2017 contribution to RheumPAC. Act today. All contributions to RheumPAC are voluntary and must be made with personal funds. RheumPAC can accept funds only from ACR/ARHP members who are U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens.
Gretchen Henkel is an award-winning health and medical journalist based in California.
