Part 1: Preparing for AOA-Congressional Advocacy Conference
“Optometry is a legislative profession.” It was one of the first things we heard as students and something we will continue to hear over and over again as we progress through our careers. What does that even mean? How does it affect my future? How does it affect me now? If you’re like me, these were just a few of the many questions I had on my mind once I started optometry school. The best way to answer all those questions and then some is by attending the AOA-Congressional Advocacy Conference in Washington, DC this Spring.
AOA-CAC is an event every single student should experience before they complete their academic education. It is truly a chance to make a difference in your profession and an opportunity to understand your rights as an optometrist. For those of you who have decided to go or are still on the fence, let me help you prepare for this amazing experience.
We all have enough to worry about with our studies, so AOA-PAC makes it nice and simple. Donate $20 to AOA-PAC on their website or through their app (https://www.aoa.org/advocacy/aoa-pac) and you’ll receive a two-night free stay (Sunday and Monday) at the JW Marriott, a 4-star hotel within walking distance to most major monuments. It is a 10-minute walk from the White House and across the street from the National Mall. Whether you are coming from the East or West Coast, I suggest you arrive either Friday or Saturday with your friends so that you all have time to explore the city. Use your flight or train ride to catch up on school work, sleep, or even relax a little bit.
The conference starts off with an orientation mixer on Sunday night where you get a chance to meet your fellow students and doctors from around the country. Sunday is an easy ice breaker and you will have time to walk around the city after.
Monday morning is when the real magic begins. You receive all of your legislative education and prep for lobbying on Tuesday. You will have the chance to ask any questions about the legislature as well as meet up with your assigned doctors if you have not already done so. Some of the legislature that the AOA may be approaching this year can be found here: https://goo.gl/XhphFy. Feel free to check out the legislature in advance but you will receive more than enough education while there to prepare you for your meetings on Tuesday. It is a long day, but you do get rewarded with a student party (including open bar!!). Take advantage of the time there to unwind and network with your fellow student leaders from across the country.
When Tuesday rolls around this is your chance to work with your fellow students and doctors to educate legislators on our side of the issues. Often senators and their staff actually prefer hearing from students over doctors so many of the doctors will encourage you to take the lead in the discussion. Don’t stress out too much though as you will only be expected to say as much as you are comfortable with. Your presence alone on the Hill means a great deal whether or not you spend most of the time speaking about the issues or just observing the conversation. Legislators know you are there because you care and that makes them care.
Congressional Advocacy Conference is truly what you make of it. Embrace how amazing it is that you live in a country where you truly have a say in your future and can fight for your rights. I look forward to seeing you all there in the Spring.
Katalina Yandell
Western University of Health Sciences
