Now is the time to be heard: October is Advocacy Month!

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Now is the time to be heard: October is Advocacy Month!

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and specifically the Junior Fellow College Advisory Council (JFCAC) are rolling out steps to help you make your voice heard. Starting October 1, head to acog.org/advocacy to check out the ACOG Physician Advocacy video to get inspired. (Or watch it here!) Whether you are a seasoned advocate or just getting started, ACOG and women across the country are counting on you!

Week 1 (October 1–7): Why I advocate

The focus of this week is on delving into topics that interest you, learning why advocacy is critically important, and developing your own message to advocate for women’s health.

  • View advocacy videos here to understand what advocacy is and why it is so important.
  • See ACOG’s 2018 list of legislative priorities here to find topics that inspire you.

Week 2 (October 8–14): Use your voice

Explore the multitude of platforms available today for amplifying your message. Learn to use social media smartly, get advice for how to write op-eds for local outlets, add your name to support current legislative efforts, and find out who your representatives are to schedule sit-down meetings.

  • For tips on communicating with elected officials, click here.
  • Connect with ACOG and your district on social media, and remember to use social media responsibly to advocate effectively. See this link for more information!
  • Don’t forget to include #JFadvoMonth in your posts while highlighting your advocacy work on social media!

Continued to: Week 3 (October 15–19): Empower your patients

 

 

Week 3 (October 15–21): Empower your patients

As a physician, advocating for your patient extends into the clinic itself. Access toolkits, patient websites, handouts, and resources available through ACOG.

  • Familiarize yourself with the Patient Page for videos, infographics, and FAQs that are useful resources for your patients.
  • Toolkits for providers are available here—use these to enhance your practice and empower your patients!

Week 4 (October 22–28): Take it forward

Advocacy happens year-round. Be sure you are actively involved in ACOG’s efforts. Participate in calls to action and remember on November 6 to GET OUT THE VOTE!

  • Participate in the annual Congressional Leadership Conference (March 10–12, 2019) in Washington, DC. Descend on Washington with hundreds of fellow ObGyns to advocate to Congress on important issues. For more information, click here.
  • Donate to the Ob-GynPAC, ACOG’s political action committee dedicated to electing officials who support our specialty.
  • Run for office! ACOG has resources to support you. Be on the lookout for opportunities to attend candidate workshops sponsored by the Ob-GynPAC!

Get active now!

We are at a critical moment for women’s health and the future of our specialty. Key issues nationally include advocating to Congress to move forward with bills in the Senate (S 1112) and House (HR 1318) to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality. (See this article for background information on these bills.)

To find your elected officials and take action now, click here and tell Congress to help prevent maternal mortality, defend patient protections, and improve access and quality of maternity care.

You can be an advocate for your patients and your profession. Your voice matters. Now is the time to be heard.

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

Author and Disclosure Information

Dr. Jorgensen is Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Evans is Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine; Associate Program Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center.

The authors report no financial relationships relevant to this article.

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Author and Disclosure Information

Dr. Jorgensen is Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Evans is Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine; Associate Program Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center.

The authors report no financial relationships relevant to this article.

Author and Disclosure Information

Dr. Jorgensen is Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

Dr. Evans is Assistant Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine; Associate Program Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center.

The authors report no financial relationships relevant to this article.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and specifically the Junior Fellow College Advisory Council (JFCAC) are rolling out steps to help you make your voice heard. Starting October 1, head to acog.org/advocacy to check out the ACOG Physician Advocacy video to get inspired. (Or watch it here!) Whether you are a seasoned advocate or just getting started, ACOG and women across the country are counting on you!

Week 1 (October 1–7): Why I advocate

The focus of this week is on delving into topics that interest you, learning why advocacy is critically important, and developing your own message to advocate for women’s health.

  • View advocacy videos here to understand what advocacy is and why it is so important.
  • See ACOG’s 2018 list of legislative priorities here to find topics that inspire you.

Week 2 (October 8–14): Use your voice

Explore the multitude of platforms available today for amplifying your message. Learn to use social media smartly, get advice for how to write op-eds for local outlets, add your name to support current legislative efforts, and find out who your representatives are to schedule sit-down meetings.

  • For tips on communicating with elected officials, click here.
  • Connect with ACOG and your district on social media, and remember to use social media responsibly to advocate effectively. See this link for more information!
  • Don’t forget to include #JFadvoMonth in your posts while highlighting your advocacy work on social media!

Continued to: Week 3 (October 15–19): Empower your patients

 

 

Week 3 (October 15–21): Empower your patients

As a physician, advocating for your patient extends into the clinic itself. Access toolkits, patient websites, handouts, and resources available through ACOG.

  • Familiarize yourself with the Patient Page for videos, infographics, and FAQs that are useful resources for your patients.
  • Toolkits for providers are available here—use these to enhance your practice and empower your patients!

Week 4 (October 22–28): Take it forward

Advocacy happens year-round. Be sure you are actively involved in ACOG’s efforts. Participate in calls to action and remember on November 6 to GET OUT THE VOTE!

  • Participate in the annual Congressional Leadership Conference (March 10–12, 2019) in Washington, DC. Descend on Washington with hundreds of fellow ObGyns to advocate to Congress on important issues. For more information, click here.
  • Donate to the Ob-GynPAC, ACOG’s political action committee dedicated to electing officials who support our specialty.
  • Run for office! ACOG has resources to support you. Be on the lookout for opportunities to attend candidate workshops sponsored by the Ob-GynPAC!

Get active now!

We are at a critical moment for women’s health and the future of our specialty. Key issues nationally include advocating to Congress to move forward with bills in the Senate (S 1112) and House (HR 1318) to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality. (See this article for background information on these bills.)

To find your elected officials and take action now, click here and tell Congress to help prevent maternal mortality, defend patient protections, and improve access and quality of maternity care.

You can be an advocate for your patients and your profession. Your voice matters. Now is the time to be heard.

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and specifically the Junior Fellow College Advisory Council (JFCAC) are rolling out steps to help you make your voice heard. Starting October 1, head to acog.org/advocacy to check out the ACOG Physician Advocacy video to get inspired. (Or watch it here!) Whether you are a seasoned advocate or just getting started, ACOG and women across the country are counting on you!

Week 1 (October 1–7): Why I advocate

The focus of this week is on delving into topics that interest you, learning why advocacy is critically important, and developing your own message to advocate for women’s health.

  • View advocacy videos here to understand what advocacy is and why it is so important.
  • See ACOG’s 2018 list of legislative priorities here to find topics that inspire you.

Week 2 (October 8–14): Use your voice

Explore the multitude of platforms available today for amplifying your message. Learn to use social media smartly, get advice for how to write op-eds for local outlets, add your name to support current legislative efforts, and find out who your representatives are to schedule sit-down meetings.

  • For tips on communicating with elected officials, click here.
  • Connect with ACOG and your district on social media, and remember to use social media responsibly to advocate effectively. See this link for more information!
  • Don’t forget to include #JFadvoMonth in your posts while highlighting your advocacy work on social media!

Continued to: Week 3 (October 15–19): Empower your patients

 

 

Week 3 (October 15–21): Empower your patients

As a physician, advocating for your patient extends into the clinic itself. Access toolkits, patient websites, handouts, and resources available through ACOG.

  • Familiarize yourself with the Patient Page for videos, infographics, and FAQs that are useful resources for your patients.
  • Toolkits for providers are available here—use these to enhance your practice and empower your patients!

Week 4 (October 22–28): Take it forward

Advocacy happens year-round. Be sure you are actively involved in ACOG’s efforts. Participate in calls to action and remember on November 6 to GET OUT THE VOTE!

  • Participate in the annual Congressional Leadership Conference (March 10–12, 2019) in Washington, DC. Descend on Washington with hundreds of fellow ObGyns to advocate to Congress on important issues. For more information, click here.
  • Donate to the Ob-GynPAC, ACOG’s political action committee dedicated to electing officials who support our specialty.
  • Run for office! ACOG has resources to support you. Be on the lookout for opportunities to attend candidate workshops sponsored by the Ob-GynPAC!

Get active now!

We are at a critical moment for women’s health and the future of our specialty. Key issues nationally include advocating to Congress to move forward with bills in the Senate (S 1112) and House (HR 1318) to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality. (See this article for background information on these bills.)

To find your elected officials and take action now, click here and tell Congress to help prevent maternal mortality, defend patient protections, and improve access and quality of maternity care.

You can be an advocate for your patients and your profession. Your voice matters. Now is the time to be heard.

Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.

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