Another important way to get involved is by giving to RheumPAC, the action arm of the Government Affairs Committee. By supporting the members of Congress who support rheumatology, we can help advance our legislative priorities. Last year, 59 of the 67 campaigns that RheumPAC contributed to won their elections and the ACR had the opportunity to present our message to many members of Congress. I realize the idea of political contributions may be unappealing to some people. However, the reality of modern political life is that we must get the attention of lawmakers in order to educate them and political contributions can help. If we fail to get involved, then our concerns will be sidelined. We must stand up for ourselves and our specialty to ensure that patients with inflammatory diseases get the best, most cost-effective, and most appropriate care.
We must speak for ourselves and our patients, because no one else will speak for us. Advocacy is a necessary activity to educate our elected officials and preserve our ability to provide the best care to our patients. Please join us as we advocate for arthritis. Get started by visiting www.rheumatology.org/advocacy.
Dr. Morris is a rheumatologist at Arthritis Associates in Kingsport, Tenn.
You Can Be an Advocate, Too!
- Write, call, or e-mail your members of Congress. As a constituent, your opinions matter to those who are elected to represent you. Speak up and let them know how you feel about the important issues facing rheumatology. Visit the ACR Legislative Action Center at www.rheumatology.org/actioncenter for more information on contacting your lawmakers.
- Schedule an in-district meeting with your members of Congress. Meeting face-to-face with your legislators and their staff provides you the opportunity to educate them on the issues and helps you to build and strengthen relationships.
- Be sure to involve your patients and staff—they are also constituents. Help spread the word by asking your patients and staff to share their experiences with members of Congress.