Attending a Town Hall Meeting
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Members of Congress will be holding town hall meetings, health care forums and other community discussions over the August Recess. Here are some tips for PAs attending these gatherings.
Before the Meeting:
- Find out if and when the legislator will be holding community forums. To do so :
Call the district office and inquire. Phone numbers for local offices can be found on AAPA's Legislative Action Center.
Visit the legislator's web page. Often town hall meetings are publicized online via press releases, RSS feeds, or event announcements.
Sign up online to receive legislators' email updates; meetings are often announced via email.
- AAPA will be communicating directly with PAs throughout the month of August about town hall meetings as we learn of them. Keep an eye on your e-mail.
- If you don't know what your legislator looks like, check out his or her picture online so that you are prepared should you find yourself walking in with them.
During the Meeting:
- Look the part. Wear business-casual attire, or perhaps wear something that identifies you as a PA, such as a button from AAPA or your chapter, your white coat, or other identifying article of clothing.
- Arrive early. You can get a good seat at the front (within the legislator's line of sight) where you are more likely to be called upon during the question and answer portion of the meeting. Also, it gives you opportunity to introduce yourself to staff if they, too, are early.
- Prepare. Know what your "ask" will be, and have it ready. You can write it down on a note card if you worry about nerves when asked to speak.
- Have a back-up question. If someone else asks your question or makes your point for you, have a second point in your back pocket. It can be as simple as saying that "PAs are a vital part of the community and that you'd like the legislator to support them in health reform".
- Ask early, ask loudly. Don't be afraid to get your hand up early in the discussion. Be sure to speak clearly and loudly, and say it with a smile.
- Identify yourself. Introduce yourself as a Physician Assistant. Tell the legislator and/or staff where you work, what you do, the kinds of patients you treat, what you contribute to the community.
- Be courteous. Thank the legislator after asking your question. Offer to be a resource for additional information on health care in your community.
- Listen. Listen to the legislator's answer. Does he/she make a commitment of support? Sound like he/she needs followup with additional information? Also, listen for the names of staff as they are introduced.
After the Meeting:
- Offer thanks. Immediately after the meeting concludes, try to approach the legislator or staff and give a final quick "thank you". Have your business card and any fact sheets or issue papers you wish to leave behind ready. Shake hands and thank the legislator for convening the meeting and offer once again to be a health care resource.
- Follow up with staff. Send the staff an email or written note thanking them for their time, reminding them of your comments at the forum, and restate your offer to be a health care resource.
- Let AAPA know of additional follow-up that is needed with the legislator's office.
