Heart of Health Policy | How to Make Legislative Conference Talking Points Your Own
The 2024 Legislative Conference taking place Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Washington, DC, presents a unique opportunity for ACC members to learn more about health policy, network with colleagues and speak directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill about some of the most pressing issues facing clinicians, patients and the profession.
The ACC's Health Affairs Committee (HAC) determines the topics and talking points discussed each year, taking into consideration conversations with Congress over the current year, issues impacting the broadest swath of membership, and the current pulse of congressional activity.
The most effective discussions with members of Congress are those that include personal perspectives and experiences. The following tips are designed to help prepare for the Legislative Conference and meetings with lawmakers — ensuring conversations are as effective and meaningful as possible.
1. Find a Connection
Whether you know a patient who has been impacted by the issue in question, have witnessed a colleague affected by it, or have experienced it within your practice setting, identify a unique connection you have to the policy issue at hand. You will use this connection to build a narrative – the driving force behind your rationale.
2. Build Your Narrative
Once you have found your connection to the issue, focus on how that connection will drive your narrative. For instance, if it impacts your practice, will you approach it from a financial or workforce perspective? If it affects administrative burdens that you and your colleagues face, will you discuss it through a well-being lens? The narrative helps build your case and bridge your connection to the policy's impact on the ability of cardiovascular clinicians to deliver high-quality patient care.
3. Share a Personal Story
Within the narrative, find a single, personal anecdote that you can use to
draw in emotion and real-life evidence to underscore the importance of acting on a particular issue. Your personal story is not just a story but a powerful tool that can inspire and motivate lawmakers to make a difference. Research has shown that storytelling is one of the most effective ways to make an impression. When compared to sharing statistics, facts and visuals, storytelling had the highest memory retention rate among its listeners. Not only is it helpful in persuading lawmakers to co-sponsor legislation, but it also provides current supporters with additional examples as to why the proposed action is necessary.
4. Tie to the ACC's Shared Mission
The final element in customizing your talking points is emphasizing the issue's impact on the College and the future of cardiovascular care. You and ACC members nationwide share one Mission: transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all. This Mission unites us all and gives ACC Advocacy efforts a larger purpose, with each policy priority serving as a steppingstone to achieving our goals.
A Note on Talking Points
Keep in mind that Legislative Conference talking points do not represent all the issues that the ACC Advocacy team is tracking. ACC members are encouraged to contact the team throughout the year to identify additional opportunities to engage with lawmakers about other critical issues impacting the delivery of cardiovascular care. Also, don't forget to regularly visit ACC.org/Advocacy for updates and opportunities to get involved.
See You in Washington, DC!
The ACC Advocacy team looks forward to welcoming cardiovascular clinicians in the nation's capital for ACC Legislative Conference 2024. Click here for more resources to help you prepare for this year's meeting.
Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, ACC Advocacy, Communication, Health Policy
