The ACR, Rheumatologists Advance Issues Through Advocacy

So now I would like to make that personal request of you. I am asking you to sign up to be an ACR Key Contact.

The Power of Personal Relationships

This month, the ACR Board of Directors, along with members of the Government Affairs Committee and RheumPAC Committee, and representatives of state rheumatology societies, will be in Washington, D.C., speaking with our representatives in Congress. Although these meetings are important, it’s perhaps even more critical to our causes for you to become involved in advocacy at home.

I can recall many examples in which a personal relationship between an ACR member and their lawmaker has enabled us to advance our cause. Indeed, a key principle for effective advocacy is a willingness to develop a relationship with your elected officials. Nothing motivates representatives like their constituents.

To this point, the ACR is enhancing advocacy efforts by launching a Key Contact Program for our members to serve as liaisons to elected and appointed officials. Our success on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures is dependent on personal relationships and our ability to effectively communicate with government officials. Whether you already have a relationship with elected officials or would like to develop a relationship with your senator, representative or insurance commissioner, the ACR will provide the support to cultivate that relationship. Key Contacts are asked to be involved in at least three advocacy efforts yearly. These opportunities include sending letters, sending e-mails or making calls to elected officials, attending local events and participating in issue calls.

Visit the ACR Advocacy page to learn more, e-mail [email protected] or call advocacy staff at 404-633-3777 to express your interest in being a Key Contact.

Thank you to all members of the ACR and ARHP who devote a portion of their time each month to helping Advance Rheumatology! in Washington, D.C., and across the U.S. My hat is off to all of you. Please know that your personal efforts truly make a difference.

I look forward to continuing work with you as together we continue to Advance Rheumatology!

E. William St.Clair, MD, is president of the ACR and chief of the Duke Division of Rheumatology and Immunology. Dr. St.Clair, a rheumatologist, has 25 years of experience as a clinical investigator. Contact him at [email protected].