Advocacy is taking a prominent role at NHPCO’s 2019 Leadership and Advocacy Conference, hosted in Washington, DC on April 15 – 17. Sessions focusing on grassroots advocacy are integrated throughout the three day conference with visits to congressional offices scheduled for Wednesday, April 17.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization President and CEO Edo Banach shared some thoughts about the advocacy component of the annual conference.
“What’s so important about the advocacy portion of LAC is that we will be teaching participants the skills they can use in the future, skills they can use in their communities. In recent years, we’ve learned grassroots efforts put into action at home have been a significant part of many of the successes our community has accomplished.”
“This year in DC, we are planting the seeds for grassroots advocacy efforts that will pay off in the future. Given the congressional calendar, most elected officials will be in their home districts during LAC but their DC offices are still open so most meetings on April 17 are with legislative staff – the people who keep the wheels of Congress turning. Given that 111 members are serving their first term, the opportunity to start building relationships with key staff members is crucial. It is the staff that focuses their bosses attention on important issues, these meetings are no less important or impactful.”
All advocacy activities are included for all full conference registrants (please note, addition information will be required for setting up meetings with Congressional offices).
For those who are unable to attend the entire three-day conference, there is an option. The Advocacy Pass will provide entry to select Advocacy concurrent sessions on April 16 & 17 (days two and three of the LAC) that focus on policy and advocacy training.
- Day 2- Advocacy Training Sessions on Tuesday, April 16 from 2pm-6pm. These are mandatory for Advocacy Pass Holders.
- Day 3-Breakfast and morning preparatory sessions on Wednesday April 17, from 7:30am-9:30am.
- Day 3-Meetings with your Members of Congress from 10am-5pm. Advocacy Pass Holders are required to attend their congressional meetings.
- Finally, join NHPCO, Hospice Action Network and our special guests for a celebratory Congressional Reception on Wednesday April 17 from 5pm-7pm.
Look for the Advocacy Pass option on the NHPCO conference registration page, and use the link in your confirmation email to complete your Meetings Registration Form. The Advocacy Pass costs $125 for NHPCO Members and $175 for non-Members.
Interested in learning more about advocacy efforts? Visit the Hospice Action Network website and register with the HAN legislative action center for ongoing updates.
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