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Listen Up Legislators! Getting the Family Physician Message Across in Washington, D.C.

Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

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This presentation was given at FMCC on April 7, 2014. It focused on "pulling it all together." The presentation served to summarie how to make the key family medicine "asks" and connect them to your story.

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Page 1: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Listen Up Legislators!Getting the Family Physician Message Across in

Washington, D.C.

Page 2: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

• Former DC Staff Director for Rep. Blumenauer

• Former Lobbyist National Public Radio

• Author 5 books on Advocacy

Who’s Speaking?Stephanie Vance

Page 3: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Why Your Voice Matters: What Influences Legislators?

Their ______________ & ___________Their Policy _________ & ___________The _______________Money?

But Most Important…

Page 4: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Their Constituents!

Page 5: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Basic Logistics

• Where am I going?

• What am I wearing?

• What am I eating?

• Where are the bathrooms?

Page 6: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

What You Bring to the Policy Table

Your StoryThe AsksHow to Find You or the AAFP GR Team

Page 7: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

What You Don’t Need to Stress About

Page 8: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Notes on Meeting With Staff

It’s BETTER to Meet with Staff Than the

Legislator

• Avoid the “Grip and Grin”

• MORE Time and Expertise

• The Eyes and Ears of the Member

What’s Different? – PRONOUNS!

Page 9: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

When Meeting with Staff

Instead of…• Will you cosponsor this

bill?• Where do you stand on this

issue?• How do you think you’ll

vote?• I saw you introduced

legislation on [XYZ]• I noticed on Facebook that

you [met with such-and-such group, etc.]

… say• Will your boss cosponsor

this bill?• Where does your boss

stand on this issue?• How do you think your

boss will vote?• I saw your boss introduced

legislation on [XYZ]• I noticed on Facebook that

your boss [met with such-and-such group, etc.]

Page 10: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Remember to “SPIT”

Use the S.P.I.T. TechniqueSpecific, Personal, Informative and Timely

Page 11: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

But What Are the Specifics?They’re Right Here at Your Fingertips!

The FMCC “Cheat Sheet”

Page 12: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Let’s Practice!

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Addressing Concerns

Talking to legislators with

whom you disagree

“Agree to disagree” is a great phrase to

practice

Page 14: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Addressing Concerns

Legislators / staff will be mean to people of a

different party

With advocates, legislators are more

interested in constituency than party

Page 15: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Addressing Concerns

I don’t want to look foolish

Congressional offices do not

expect advocates to be policy experts

Page 16: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Addressing Concerns

I’ll say something that will ruin it for everyone else

There’s rarely anything you can do, besides being rude, that will ruin it for

everyone

Page 17: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

10 Things NOT to Say

• “But you’re not important”• “How much campaign money did you

get?”• “I assume you know all about H.R.

1234”• “Here’s our 300 page annual report”• “I don’t have an appointment – I just

want to take ½ hour of your time”

Page 18: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

10 Things NOT to Say

• “I don’t really have anything specific to talk about”

• “We have 25 people in our group”• “What do you mean we have to stand

in the hall?• “What you’re telling me can’t be right.

I heard Jon Stewart say…”

Page 19: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Number 1

“No, I’m not from your state. I just thought you’d be interested in what I have to say.”

Page 20: Making the Ask- Stephanie Vance

Perhaps Most Important?Have Fun!

Fun Is GoodDr. Seuss

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