Nine Simple Things You Can Do Right From Your Phone
Your strong voice is needed to improve the practice of medicine today and for future generations. That's why it's important for all members of the family of medicine to get involved. You don't have to be an advocacy expert. All you need to do is follow these nine steps.
- Get to Know Your Legislator. When medicine speaks, legislators do listen, especially if they've heard from you before. Work through your county medical society to set up a local physician meeting with your state representative or state senator. Very often, you or your colleagues know them personally. There is no substitute for this personal relationship.
- Update Your Contact List. Add your elected officials' name and contact information to your phone. Here is where you can find their phone, email and mailing address, and their staff's information too.
- Use Social Media. Follow your legislators on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. It's an easy way to learn about your elected official and their interests. Do NOT use social media as a place to debate issues.
- Participate in a Virtual First Tuesdays in the District. Ask your county medical society executive to schedule a Zoom meeting with your elected officials or contact Pam Udall. First Tuesdays in the District are an easy and effective way for physicians, Alliance members, and medical students to meet and strengthen their relationships with elected officials. All you need to do is show up for a 45-minute Zoom call and share your experience.
- Register for Virtual First Tuesdays at the Capitol. Join TMA and the Alliance the first Tuesday of every month at noon from February through May 2021. TMA legislative affairs staff will discuss TMA's top issues, where bills of interest to medicine stand, and steps you can take to make a difference in the legislative process.
- Take Action. Write, email, or call your legislator when critical issues arise. TMA makes it easy. All you must do is respond to a TMA Action Alert using the message provided or write your own message. Use TMA's Grassroots Action Center. It only takes a minute.
- Download the VoterVoice App: Respond to a TMA Action Alert via the VoterVoice app. All you need to do is download and install the app, then you can take action in just a few minutes via your phone.
- Bookmark TMA's Texas Legislature Page. Follow medicine's progress and actions during the legislative session.
- Learn more about TEXPAC. The Texas Medical Association Political Action Committee (TEXPAC) is the political arm of TMA. It's the largest bipartisan political action committee in the state and ranks first in size among other state medical association PACs. A successful year on the campaign trail frequently translates into success at the capitol. For more information visit TEXPAC
Download a PDF of these easy advocacy tips for quick reference on the go.