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    • Effective Congressional Meetings
  • Effective Congressional Meetings

  • Nonmedical professionals make decisions every day that can impact your practice and patient care. That’s why ophthalmologists must be on the front lines to advocate for ophthalmology and all the policy issues that come up in Congress.

    After you schedule a meeting, how should your team prepare? The Academy has some tips for meeting with your elected representatives in Congress, beginning with planning your meeting and what to bring when you go.

    Planning for the Meeting

    • Decide what questions/topics to ask and stick to it.
    • Select who will advocate for you.

    What You Should Bring

    • Take business cards if you have them.
    • Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state issued ID card, passport). It may assist you in getting through security.
    • A pad and pen for note-taking
    • Leave behind materials for the legislator or staff to share with the member of Congress.

    What to Wear

    • This is a business meeting. Dress professionally: That means a suit and tie for men and a pantsuit or dress for women.

    Remember

    • Be prompt and patient. Arrive at least 15 minutes to a half-hour early.
    • Keep in mind that these are working offices. Schedules in Congress often change at the last minute and so do plans.
    • Bring and review your talking points and background materials prior to the meeting.
  • Do

    • Be polite and personable and conduct yourself in a professional manner.
    • Be organized.
    • Research your members of Congress before your meetings. Become familiar with legislation he or she supports.
    • Call ahead if you are going to be late.
    • Stay focused on the reason of your visit.
    • Use personal stories to support your issues.
    • Be ready to answer questions on your issues.
    • Agree to disagree if you and the member of Congress or staff can’t agree on an issue.
    • Leave behind an issue brief on each issue discussed with every office you visit.
    • Keep the focus on ophthalmology’s issues.
  • Don't

    • Argue or antagonize. The Academy depends on good relationships with members of Congress and their staff. Hostile or rude behavior may result in long-term damage to the Academy’s relationship with a representative.
    • Ask a member to support a bill without knowing if they are already a supporter (Hint: This information is located on the Academy’s advocacy app.).
    • Be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” If you are unsure of an answer, take note of the question and give the information to an Academy staff member to follow up.
    • Mention fundraising or campaign contributions during your meeting, as it is against the law and House ethics rules.
  • The Academy Store
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    2022-2023 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 07: Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery
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