Top 10 ways to ADVOCATE for Your Profession


Do you want to make a real difference in the political process? Do you want to do more than just write a letter to your congressman? Did you attend Radiology Lobby Day on Capitol Hill and want to keep in touch with your legislator? To ensure that your voice is heard at the government level where it matters most, your involvement in the political process is critical.

Below are 10 ways to get involved in the political process.

  1. Find out about your elected representatives.
    Do you know who your senators and congressmen are? Do you know their position on key health care issues? These are important questions to ask yourself when you think about your role in the political process. Get to know your legislators and their views on the issues important to you.
  2. Register to vote.
    It is always important to remember to keep your voter registration current.
  3. Vote in every election.
    As the recent presidential elections have shown, every vote is important. Once you have updated your voter registration, vote in every election. If you are unable to go to the polls on Election Day, request an absentee ballot.
  4. Volunteer your time.
    One of the best ways to get to know the candidates in an election is to volunteer your time for their campaigns. Candidates for office rely on volunteers to help them get elected. You can work in their campaign office, walk the precincts, or work in the phone banks. Candidates typically remember those who help on the campaign trail.
  5. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
    It is always important to let your views be known. Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper heightens the visibility of issues important to you and can enhance your visibility in the political process.
  6. Invite your legislator to visit your medical facility.
    If you have attended any type of lobby day, you have visited your legislator in his or her office. Send an invitation to your legislators to visit your medical facility so they can see what you do. Legislators take a great interest in their constituents and what affects them. After the visit send them a photo of their day at your medical facility.
  7. Attend public meetings and make your presence known.
    Take the time to attend public meetings and town hall sessions. Afterwards, introduce yourself to the speaker.
  8. Speak up in public.
    If you belong to any type of service organization or club, give a speech to educate the members on the health care industry.
  9. Put your legislators on your business mailing list.
    Put your legislators on the mailing list for external company literature for information you feel is important for them to have.
  10. Offer up your ideas.
    There are many challenges to health care delivery and it is important that this information is shared with Congress. Who better to share the information than someone who works within the medical profession? Don't be afraid to share your ideas and suggestions with your legislators.

There are many ways to get involved in the political process and there are numerous online resources. The new Grassroots Action Center on the ACR Web site is a great advocacy resource and it provides a guide to help you get involved politically. Check it out today.