Political Advocacy and You Brian Caswell R Ph

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Political Advocacy and You Brian Caswell, R. Ph. Wolkar Drug, Baxter Springs, KS NCPA 2 nd Vice President October 8, 2011 NCPA Annual Meeting Nashville, TN

Political Advocacy and You “ All Politics is Local” - Tip O’Neill, 55 th Speaker U. S. House of Representatives (1977 -1987)

Political Advocacy and You “Get Into Politics or Get Out of Pharmacy” - NCPA motto

Political Advocacy and You The Five W’s of a Grassroots Program Who? • The Grassroots Program is YOU What? • Work with NCPA, State Assoc. , Local Pharmacy groups Where? • Communicate with Members of Congress and State Legislators (Meet, phone calls, E-Mails, etc. ) When? • • Long Term – Building Relationships Short Term – Call to Alert Why? • • Profession – Becoming an Advocate Business – Protect Your Investment and Ensure Patient Access

Becoming Involved v. It’s all about ACCESS v Access refers to the ability to get an appointment with legislators or their staffs. v You are a local constituent who represents an important healthcare sector v When federal and state legislators are in Washington and your state capital, call or e-mail them v Become a recognized subject-matter “expert” and establish a mutually beneficial relationship as a valuable information resource on complex health care issues v Develop a professional, working relationship with your legislators v Strive to become recognized when you meet – First name basis v That’s ACCESS

Becoming Involved Ø The Art of Persuasion Ø Heavy handed tactics never work Ø Become an Educator, facilitator, coalition builder and policy advocate Ø You must win trust to build a relationship Ø Know how the formal legislative process works Ø Recognize that many things are accomplished behind the scenes Ø Understand the policies you are promoting and state them clearly while being brief and to the point Ø Understand the political implications of what you request Ø Know the players - the individual legislators and staff

Becoming Involved • Opportunities for involvement • Join NCPA • NCPA-PAC • NCPA-LDF • Join State Pharmacy Association • Get involved with Governmental Affairs

Becoming Involved § Opportunities for involvement ü Give to individual campaigns ü Host a “coffee” with other pharmacists to meet the candidate ü Bring forward other potential contributors ü Help directly with fundraising ü Attend or even sponsor fundraisers in your community

Becoming Involved ü Help in the campaign office üStuff envelopes üWalk neighborhoods door to door üMake Phone calls ü Gain recognition as a leader who “makes things happen”

Becoming Involved • Tools to enhance your advocacy • Join NCPA • Read and study NCPA correspondence • Monitor NCPA website • www. ncpanet. org • Attend NCPA Legislative Conference • May ? ? , 2012 – Washington, DC • Meet, Learn, Succeed