ACR Launches New Grassroots Action Team Initiative
By Melanie T. Young, Director, Political Outreach and Development
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about an important new initiative being launched by the ACR's government relations department – the Grassroots Action Team program.
Many of you have supported RADPAC, which has proven to be a tremendously valuable advocacy tool raising awareness and educating lawmakers regarding issues of importance to radiology, such as access to mammography, the establishment of the NIBIB, and medical liability reform. As the ACR explores legislative avenues to reduce the inappropriate utilization of imaging services, we are looking to step up our advocacy efforts even further through the establishment of a grassroots action team, composed of members who are willing and committed to representing the College at the local level.
The purpose of the Grassroots Action Team program is to educate, organize, and mobilize ACR members to get involved in all aspects of the political process for the benefit of the radiology profession. In this way, the ACR will use its collective power to influence who gets elected and what policies they support in Congress. Critical to the program's success will be your commitment to building a relationship of trust and credibility with your legislators.
Every day, public officials are making decisions that affect radiology. Being part of an effective grassroots program is an excellent way to advocate and protect your interests and the patients that you serve. Few would deny that lawmakers respond best to those they know and trust. And with a legislator's time and attention in high demand, grassroots contacts tie our issues to the district and emphasize their importance.
Grassroots involvement is best thought of as one leg of the 3-legged stool representing a highly effective government relations program. The other legs are direct lobbying by ACR staff and outside consultants, and political campaign contributions made by RADPAC. Both of these efforts are greatly enhanced when partnered with a sincere, educated, and motivated grassroots constituency that is willing to mobilize on behalf of the profession.
Recent studies have shown that constituent grassroots action is, in fact, the most important and effective means for influencing public policy. There is nothing more valuable in the political process than a committed group of constituent stakeholders who are informed about the issues and effectively engaged in the process.
A 1998 study conducted by Wake Forest University asked congressional staff members what are the most effective ways an organization can impact federal legislation. They replied: grassroots action (57%), lobbying by executives (27%), and other (16%).
A 1992 study by the Gallup Organization asked congressional staffers what most influences their representative or senator. They replied: letters from constituents (78%), phone calls from constituents (12%), and other (10%).
Lawmakers do listen to their constituents and care what they have to say. At the end of the day, their constituents are the ones who help them get and keep their jobs. Interestingly, here in the world's greatest democracy, statistics reveal that legislators fail to hear from the vast majority of their constituents. This vacuum should be viewed as an opportunity for you, as a radiologist,
to share your specialized knowledge. Because so few people actually participate in politics, a small percentage of constituents can have a surprisingly huge impact if timed and targeted appropriately. If you are not active in public policy, someone else is making important decisions for you.
Accordingly, I would like to request a few moments of your time to complete the attached questionnaire concerning your political involvement and governmental contacts as well as your willingness to represent the College at the grassroots level. Your response, together with those of your colleagues, will serve as the basis for the new ACR Grassroots Action Team initiative.
Please note that your participation in this grassroots initiative is completely voluntary and there is no financial obligation of any kind to take part. As a member of ACR's Grassroots Action Team, you may dedicate as much or as little time to the program as you are able.
If you would like to contact me directly regarding this important new initiative, please call (703) 715-4398 or e-mail melaniey@acr.org. You may also call Heng Diep at (703) 648-8974 or e-mail hengd@acr.org.