May
8: Training Session
On the afternoon
of Monday, May 8, a mandatory training session will prepare
all lobby day advocates for meetings on the Hill.
Tom Sheridan, the
Association's Washington, D.C., government relations advisor
since 1992, will lead the session. He'll provide background
on current federal priorities and up-to-the-minute issues
that may affect discussions with members of Congress and actions
they commit to take.
Tom's associate,
Michelle Nawar, will brief participants on the legislation
we'll be trying to impact and how Capitol Hill staffers might
use the information advocates present during these meetings.
Kim McCleary, the
Association's president & CEO, will describe how advocacy
drives other initiatives important to the CFIDS community
and will review talking points and congressional requests.
You'll also hear
from veteran lobby day participants about what to expect and
will practice new skills with the people you'll be grouped
with for appointments the next day.
First-time advocates
will be matched with veteran lobby day participants or Association
staff for their meetings on the Hill. By the end of the session
all advocates will feel confident with their messages, comfortable
with Capitol Hill and secure in their right to be heard.
May
9: Lobby Day
When registering,
advocates choose whether they prefer morning or/and afternoon
appointments and whether they wish to do a heavy schedule
or one that's light.
The Sheridan Group
and the Association schedule all Hill meetings, targeting
members of Congress who serve on committees that determine
medical research funding and set health policy. We also reach
out to newer members of Congress and those who represent lobby
day advocates.
In recent years
advocates have met with a total of 70-85 key legislators on
this single day -- a major achievement for the CFIDS community
and personally rewarding to the individuals who take part.
We celebrate the victories large and small with a reception
that evening, also a chance for advocates to share experiences
and form or renew friendships with others committed to the
cause.
Please consider
joining us for this year's event.
We recognize that
for many people affected by CFIDS, limitations imposed by
health, strained finances and other responsibilities make
it impossible to consider traveling to Washington, D.C., so
we are extremely grateful for the efforts and sacrifice that
participants make to take part in this experience. As the
date approaches, we'll have a "virtual
lobby day" through CFIDS Link and our Grassroots
Action Center enabling those who can't be with us in Washington
to augment the impact of what advocates are able to accomplish
in person on Capitol Hill.
For further details
or to register, visit
us online.
For our lobby day
packet, send a message to LobbyDay@cfids.org
or call the Association's Resource Line at 704-364-2343.
The
deadline for registration is Monday, April 17
Source:
CFIDS Association
Tips for writing
a letter to your Congressperson or Senator are available on
our Advocacy Page. |
