LAFP Expresses the Importance of Being Involved in the Political Process at Its 2009 Legislative and Advocacy Seminar

March 20, 2009

The LAFP held its first Legislative and Advocacy Seminar on Saturday, March 7, 2009. This activity was reviewed and approved for up to 4.75 Prescribed Credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians. The event was a huge success with relevant legislative knowledge for LAFP members and Family Physicians from around the state. We had a wonderful group of attendees including Family Physicians, student representatives, Mapes and Mapes Lobbying firm, Representative Fred Mills and the LAFP staff. The speakers delivered very important information in a fun and laid back atmosphere that got everyone involved.

The day started with a quick breakfast and a welcome from LAFP President, James Campbell, MD. LAFP lobbyist Joe Mapes began the presentation and kept the audience attentive throughout the day by sharing his extensive experience in the Louisiana State Government. The presentation,  “The Fundamentals of Lobbying and the Importance of Having the Voice of Family Medicine Heard” discussed the structure of the Louisiana State government along with the elected officials that comprise the Senate and House of Representatives. Mapes went on to define lobbying and the many responsibilities of a lobbyist. Throughout the day, he stressed the importance of having Family Physicians involved and how much impact they have in the political process.

Mapes stated that Grassroots Organizing is a political activity with the goal of creating change. This is based on the power of people to take collective action on their own behalf at federal, state, and local levels. Relating this to family medicine, grassroots advocacy organizes family physicians to take action on their own behalf to affect public policy. Grassroots efforts work because:  legislators are accountable to the constituents who elect them, lawmakers need your first-hand knowledge and expertise, and individual efforts strengthen the national effort. He also presented facts on who legislators really are and how we can reach and influence them.

A few Advocacy Communication tools for contacting your legislator:

• Telephoning your legislator
  –   Remind him/her of any previous contact
  –   If not available, speak with the legislative assistant
• Writing your legislator
  –   Just explain your point and be brief
• Meeting with your legislator – Most effective method
• Mock Testimony

“Practical Strategic and Tactful Tools to Help Family Physicians be Louder Than Their Adversary” was one topic that included a few real life stories and training exercises such as a mock committee hearing where attendees were able to see how distracting testifying in a committee hearing can actually be!

There was a tasty lunch during which state representative Fred Mills addressed the attendees. Representative Mills kept everyone laughing by sharing his personal hometown experiences since becoming an elected official. He also incorporated humor to get the point across that family physicians can have enormous influence on their area representatives. He addressed the fact that every one of our members is essential because as a practicing family physician, you know what’s happening in health care. You live it every day and you know what works and what doesn't’t. Also, as one of more than 1400 members, we have the ability to speak with the strong voice of the LAFP. The afternoon continued with questions regarding getting involved, ways to get involved and the best way to do so.

There are many ways to get involved in the political process through the LAFP including:

• Key Contacts Program
• Responding to alerts from the LAFP by contacting your legislator through AAFP’s Speak Out
• Family Physician of the Day
• White Coat Day at the Capitol
• AAFP Advocacy Training
• Contributing to LaFamPac

The information learned at the Legislative and Advocacy Seminar is especially important as we move towards a new healthcare reform in the state of Louisiana.  The knowledge and voice of family physicians deserves to be heard now more than ever!

The LAFP would like to thank those persons who attended and congratulate Joe Mapes on a job well done!

If you are interested in getting involved in this year’s legislative session, please contact the LAFP office at 225.923.3313. We believe we can work more effectively on the LAFP‘s legislative issues with your help, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about getting involved.