Advocacy Day
Is transportation for Advocacy Day provided?
Yes. Transportation will be provided to Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day Activities.
When is Advocacy Day?
Advocacy Day will be on Wednesday, April 15th. There will be an Advocacy Day training and breakfast at the conference venue from 7:30–9:00 AM, followed by Advocacy Day activities taking place afterward on Capitol Hill.
Are we allowed to take pictures during Advocacy Day?
Participants are encouraged to take photos. AAVMC may incorporate the photos into our advocacy materials for the future.
How do I provide feedback regarding Advocacy Day?
The Soapbox platform provides a place for feedback on each meeting. Please use it, as it helps us to follow up with the offices down the road.
What if a staffer asks me what should be cut from the budget to save money?
Most will not, but if you do get this question, our response is that we recognize that there are spending priorities, but that it is up to Congress to make those decisions. We believe that our programs should be a priority.
What if a staffer asks for follow-up?
Refer them to Kevin Cain at AAVMC, kcain@aavmc.org. This is at the top of each one-pager. Staffers may ask about appropriations request deadlines. You should also feel free to email the staffers any additional information they request about your ...
Can we discuss issues other than the AAVMC priorities?
If you have time in a meeting, absolutely. Members and staff will want to hear about what you are doing in their home state/district.
Who will be included in these visits?
Attendance will primarily be limited to Deans, along with any additional guests they choose to invite. The Leadership Academy will be participating as well.
What happens in meetings with Members of Congress and staff?
Generally, one person in the group takes the lead. If the Dean is present, he or she is usually that person. The group usually has 15-20 minutes to make their advocacy “ask” of the Member or the staffer. You will have leave behind packets that are ...
What is the schedule for Advocacy Day?
AAVMC uses Soapbox, an outside consultant, who will schedule all meetings. One week prior to Advocacy Day, Soapbox will send each participant an electronic schedule with all the information, including electronic copies of the one-pagers. This is done ...
What is Advocacy Day?
Advocacy Day is an opportunity to meet with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for AAVMC’s legislative priorities.