ANA’s Lobby Day: When Nurses Talk, Washington Listens
On June 16th, nurses from across the country will come to DC to ensure that the voices of nurses are heard on Capitol Hill!
In conjunction with ANA’s House of Delegates, ANA will be hosting a Lobby Day. The day will begin with a breakfast briefing that will include guest speakers who will help prepare you for what to expect, discuss how to best communicate with members of Congress and their staff, and review the key issues and messages for the day. Following the briefing, we will provide buses to take you and your colleagues to Capitol Hill to meet with your Congressional Representatives throughout the afternoon. That’s what Lobby Day is all about!
If you can’t attend Lobby Day in DC, ANA is planning a “Virtual Lobby Day” with many ways you can make your voice heard from your home! Make sure you are a fan of ANA on Facebook and follow ANA on Twitter to find out more!
To learn more about ANA’s 2010 Lobby Day, here are some Frequently Asked Questions! Still have a question? Email ANA at gova@ana.org for more information.
Q. Who can take part in lobby day?
A. Our 2010 Lobby Day is taking place around the ANA House of Delegates meeting in Washington, and most of the attendees will likely be ANA Delegates who will be in town for that event. However, we are inviting other ANA members and nurses who want to get involved and advocate on behalf of ANA to come to Washington and take part.
Q. If I’m not already planning to come to Washington for the ANA House of Delegates, will ANA contribute to my travel costs or stay?
A. Unfortunately, ANA will not be able to cover costs for travel or lodging, but we will provide logistical information to registrants on lodging and getting around DC to help with your travel plans.
Q. Do I make my own appointments?
A. No, ANA staff matches your address (where you are registered to vote) against our Congressional database and then requests appointments for you with your elected officials.
Q. Will I meet my Member of Congress personally?
A. While it’s possible, it’s not always feasible. Members of Congress have very busy schedules. Between votes, committee hearings and meetings with other constituents, their time is scheduled to the minute. They may spend the whole meeting with you, two minutes with you, or none at all. We will request that the Member of Congress be present at the meeting; however, please know that meeting with their health care staff is just as important (if not more) than meeting with the Member of Congress.
Q. I live in Florida, but used to work in Pennsylvania. Can I meet with the Pennsylvania delegation as well?
A. We appreciate your enthusiasm, but Congressional offices want to meet with their constituents–those who vote them into office. With the large numbers of participants for Lobby Day, we cannot have participants meeting with multiple delegations.
Q. When do I get my appointment schedule?
A. Your schedules will be distributed in final form at the breakfast briefing. Due to shifting congressional schedules ANA staff will be continually scheduling or moving meetings until late into the day before Lobby Day.
Q. What if I’m the only person from my legislative district?
A. Staff will work to review the schedules and combine groups or select ‘Hill Day Veterans’ to accompany the first time participants. Small states with 3-5 participants in total can attend all meetings together.
Q. What if I’ve never participated in a Lobby Day before?
A. No problem! ANA staff will help guide you by providing you with all the necessary training and documents. This experience will prove invaluable as you see firsthand how nurses can influence what happens on Capitol Hill. If you ever need assistance or extra help, ANA staff will be here to help.
ANA Government Affairs Staff
Tags: April 2010, Facebook, House of Delegates, Lobby Day, Twitter, Virtual Lobby Day
