Grassroots Advocacy at the Federal Level
AAPA’s federal affairs staff is pleased to offer an exciting new advocacy education tool that allows PAs and PA students to find out first-hand what it is like to be a Member of Congress, and why it is necessary for PAs to communicate with Congress about our industry’s legislative priorities. This fast-paced and interactive session is designed to give an overview of the political process, impart the critical importance of relationship-building with Members of Congress, build teamwork – AND have fun! Political rookies and seasoned veterans alike will learn from and enjoy this unique conference session.How it works
After being divided into small groups, your team will assume the role of a newly elected member of the U.S. House of Representatives. You’ll be provided with background information on your Member of Congress and your congressional district. You’ll then begin a game that will thrust you into the highpressured, uncompromising environment in which legislators must operate.
During 11 fast-paced rounds and with increasingly tight deadlines, your team will be asked to decide which bills to support; which committee posts to seek; how much time to devote to fundraising; and what trade-offs to make amidst constituent, party, special-interest, and media pressures. Once your team makes its selections, you’ll receive instant feedback on how your decisions have affected your office, your constituents, and even your reelection bid. Congressional staff reports and polling memos will tell you how your team is doing in real time. Media headlines also will tell you who is
watching and what they think about your performance.
Just like real life, the choices you and your teammates make will have a direct effect on whether your Member of Congress is reelected. Each team has the power to make or break its own future as a new Member of Congress.
At the conclusion of the game, staff will lead participants through a thorough debriefing to talk about what they’ve learned, how it applies to advocacy and PAC involvement, and why grassroots involvement and personal relationship-building are the keys to political effectiveness on Capitol Hill.
Not your typical conference session, Congressional Insight will leave PAs energized and empowered to advocate on behalf of their profession.
Questions?
Contact Kristin Butterfield, Assistant Director, Federal Affairs, with questions or for more information: 703-836-2272 x3223, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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