Become an AAPA Key Contact
AAPA’s Key Contact program is a national network of PAs who have an established relationship with a member of Congress (or who would be willing to build one), and who would be willing to maintain those positive relationships through advocacy on AAPA policy priorities throughout the year.
By signing up to be a Key Contact, you commit to do at least one of the following this year:
- Travel to Washington, D.C. for a meeting with your legislators – In addition to the annual Leadership and Advocacy Summit, AAPA staff will be considering a series of “fly-in” meetings as needed in 2023, as an opportunity for AAPA Key Contacts to travel to Washington, D.C., receive a briefing on important policy developments, and meet with their members of Congress. Face-to-face visits are the first, important step toward building a meaningful relationship with a member of Congress.
- Meet with your legislators in their state/district offices – Many people forget that their members of Congress spend a lot of time at home, in their districts, listening to their constituents’ concerns. In fact, Congress is generally only in session Tuesday through Thursday during the week to allow members the time they need to travel back home. AAPA can help you arrange your visit and prepare you to discuss legislative issues that affect your ability to provide the highest quality care to your patients.
- Attend a local in-person or virtual “town hall meeting” held by your legislators – You can make a very positive impression at a town hall meeting if you attend prepared with a thoughtful question and a reasonable argument to defend your position. You may get more attention than you would expect, because the member of Congress will appreciate the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with a constituent.
- Host a facility or practice tour – Another way to build a relationship with your members of Congress is to invite them to visit your place of work. Site visits are great ways to help your members of Congress get to know you. AAPA staff can assist you with planning and hosting your tour.
- Host or co-host a political event for your legislators – Of course, a big part of a politician’s job is making sure that they have a job in the coming years. In order to do that, they must raise money and campaign. Once you have developed a relationship with your members of Congress, you may decide to support them in an upcoming election by hosting a fundraising event.
- Contribute to PA PAC – AAPA members are eligible to contribute to PA PAC, the only federal political action committee representing PAs on Capitol Hill. PA PAC supports the election campaigns of Congressional candidates who understand and are committed to the principles to which the PA profession is dedicated. You can find more information about the PA PAC here.
In return for your commitment to AAPA advocacy, AAPA Key Contacts will have the opportunity to participate in virtual advocacy training and policy briefings from AAPA Advocacy staff, and email updates containing information on advocacy activities and highlights from fellow key contacts.
To sign up to be a Key Contact, complete this form.
Join GAIN
AAPA’s Grassroots Advocacy and Information Network (GAIN) is a nationwide network of PAs who are strengthening the future of the profession by building relationships with members of Congress and their staff and acting on advocacy alerts to let their legislators know how decisions made on Capitol Hill can affect patients and communities back home. All PAs and PA students are encouraged to join GAIN. If you are interested in shaping the future of the profession, then GAIN is for you.
Why Join GAIN?
As a PA, you offer a unique perspective. Members of Congress look to PAs to provide them with critical information on healthcare decisions affecting their communities.
You’ll receive:
- Calls to action on federal legislation that affects the PA profession
- Tips for building strong relationships with legislators
- Exclusive tools for spreading the word on PA priority issues
How Do I Join GAIN?
To join GAIN, contact Kristin Butterfield, Director, Grassroots and Political Advocacy, at [email protected], 571-319-4340, or log on to AAPA’s Advocacy Action Center to join.