Chair(s): David Lusk, John G. Finkenberg, MD, and Philip L. Schneider, MD
 
Now more than ever, policymakers are impacting the delivery of patient care in our health system, often creating barriers and obstacles to creating healthy outcomes for patients. Because of this burden on the health provider, the volunteer advocate has become a critical element to NASS’s public policy efforts. Research repeatedly justifies the value of the citizen advocate and why engaging with one’s lawmakers, is one of the most vital aspects of being a NASS member. This session prepares NASS members to engage with their lawmakers while sharing first-hand accounts of successful NASS advocates.
 
Upon completion of this session, participants should gain strategies to:
	- Advocate for policy outcomes beneficial to providers & patients
- Develop and maintain relationships with policy influencers
- Understand and navigate the legislative/political process
Agenda
 
Introduction to Citizen Advocacy
 
Value of the Citizen Advocate’s Voice
 
Getting Lawmakers to Listen
 
Legislator Engagement: What to Expect
 
Storytelling: Its Science & How to Be Effective
 
Experts in the Field: Hearing from NASS’s Leading Advocate Voices
John G. Finkenberg, MD and Philip L. Schneider, MD
 
Discussion, Questions & Answers