Brian Caswell - Advocacy and You

Political Advocacy and You

Brian Caswell, R.Ph. Wolkar Drug, Baxter Springs, KS NCPA 2nd Vice President October 8, 2011 NCPA Annual Meeting Nashville, TN

Political Advocacy and You

“ All Politics is Local” - Tip O’Neill, 55th Speaker U.S. House of Representatives (1977-1987)

Political Advocacy and You

“Get Into Politics or Get Out of Pharmacy” - NCPA motto

Political Advocacy and You The Five W’s of a Grassroots Program Who? •

The Grassroots Program is YOU

What? •

Work with NCPA, State Assoc., Local Pharmacy groups

Where? •

Communicate with Members of Congress and State Legislators (Meet, phone calls, E-Mails, etc.)

When? • •

Long Term – Building Relationships Short Term – Call to Alert

Why? • •

Profession – Becoming an Advocate Business – Protect Your Investment and Ensure Patient Access

Becoming Involved It’s all about ACCESS  Access refers to the ability to get an appointment with legislators or their staffs.  You are a local constituent who represents an important healthcare sector  When federal and state legislators are in Washington and your state capital, call or e-mail them  Become a recognized subject-matter “expert” and establish a mutually beneficial relationship as a valuable information resource on complex health care issues  Develop a professional, working relationship with your legislators  Strive to become recognized when you meet – First name basis  That’s ACCESS

Becoming Involved The Art of Persuasion  Heavy handed tactics never work  Become an Educator, facilitator, coalition builder and policy advocate  You must win trust to build a relationship  Know how the formal legislative process works  Recognize that many things are accomplished behind the scenes  Understand the policies you are promoting and state them clearly while being brief and to the point  Understand the political implications of what you request  Know the players - the individual legislators and staff

Becoming Involved • Opportunities for involvement • Join NCPA • NCPA-PAC • NCPA-LDF

• Join State Pharmacy Association • Get involved with Governmental Affairs

Becoming Involved  Opportunities for involvement  Give to individual campaigns  Host a “coffee” with other pharmacists to meet the candidate  Bring forward other potential contributors  Help directly with fundraising  Attend or even sponsor fundraisers in your community

Becoming Involved  Help in the campaign office Stuff envelopes Walk neighborhoods door to door Make Phone calls  Gain recognition as a leader who “makes things happen”

Becoming Involved • Tools to enhance your advocacy • Join NCPA • Read and study NCPA correspondence • Monitor NCPA website • www.ncpanet.org

• Attend NCPA Legislative Conference • May ??, 2012 – Washington, DC • Meet, Learn, Succeed

Becoming Involved • Example of Grassroots Lobbying Victories – – – –

AMP First DataBank CVS/Caremark Tricare/ Mandatory Mail Order

Homework Assignment What rate limiting factor is common between the major sporting events? (Baseball, Football, and Basketball)

Homework Assignment

Answer – A Referee

Homework Assignment

REF-

Homework Assignment

R – Register to Vote E - Engage F - Fun

Thank You…

Questions????