Legislation Advocacy
PCMS offers members numerous ways to be involved in local, state, and federal politics.
- Congressional Update
- Congressional Links
- Iowa Legislature
- PCMS Lobbyist
- Who Represents Me ?
- Iowa Voter Information
Map of Capitol Hill
Why County Medical Societies Should Advocate in Washington
Elected officials rely on constituent input to be effective legislators. Ongoing communication is the only way public representatives will know and understand how voters feel about particular issues.
As a member of the medical community, your responsibility in communicating with members of Congress is especially important. No one can better explain the complex nature of health care policy decisions than those involved on a
day-to-day basis in the medical profession.
Sending letters and emails, making phone calls and paying personal visits are typical ways in which constituents get their message to legislators. While an individualized letter or email is an influential means of communicating, a postal letter may be delayed because of heightened security measures. If the issue is urgent, the letter can be faxed or emailed. A phone call is more personal than an electronic message and usually has more impact.
You can be most effective in conveying a message by relating issues of your own personal experience or professional expertise, or to the likely effects on a member’s constituents.
Remember all politics is local
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Elected officials count on, and in fact need, constituent input to be effective legislators. Ongoing communication is the only way public representatives will know and understand how you, the voter, feel about particular issues.
You can be most effective in conveying a message by relating issues to your own personal experience or professional expertise, or to the likely effects on a member’s constituents.