short time ago I was listening to a political advisor from one of the major parties, and he told the group that the most important drivers in US politics are money and votes. While this concept fosters some level of cynicism with our political process, if you take a look around, you will sec it rings tnic. A US Senator then went on to explain that even with its faults the US political system is the best in the world, if for no other reason he explained, than that none of the political disagreements end with war. In ours, political disagreements have built the strongest democracy in world history. Not that I have the expertise of cither of the above, except for what I learned as past president of the Connecticut. New England, and American Chiropractic Associations, chairman of the ACA Political Action Committee, and as a member of the Chiropractic Summit governmental relations committee. With this background. I feel that I have the experience to share a third key component to successful political activism for the chiropractic profession...and that is relationships. Every two years for congressmen, and six for senators, from August to November they essentially move their centers of operations from Washington to their home town. During that time they arc looking to build a base of loyal voters to assure election. By October much of the money has been raised or promised and main of the die-hard members of the political parties have already made up their minds. So that leaves the independents and what arc called the issue voters. Right or wrong ...many of us in the Chiropractic profession are issue voters, who like to support those legislators who understand the basic patient right that allows the freedom to choose their health care provider. As such, it only makes sense that their provider be accessible, treated fairly, with parity in coverage, and without discrimination arbitrarily imposed by the insurance industry. This is where relationships matter. It is no secret that in these weeks before the election our elected officials arc looking for the undecided voters. One of the best ways to find votes is to work closely with a leader of a profession within the community who carries the respect and admiration of others. Historically, in state capitols and in Washington DC the chiropractic profession is known for its strong and effective grass roots efforts. Who better then would it be for current candidates to seek out than a well-respected doctor of chiropractic to represent the interests of the hundreds of patients in their community. This is an opportunity each DC lias to make a difference in the lives of their patients outside of the office. To be successful your first objective in relationship building is getting on a first name basis with your legislator. The second is to get a returned email or call when you reach out to them! These can be accomplished in several simple steps: Attend local town hall events, political party functions and debates. Make certain you meet and shake hands with the candidates Attend community political fundraisers - often hosted by families in town you already know. Contact the legislator's local campaign office and ask for 10 minutes to meet the legislator for a cup of coffee If there is one candidate you particularly like offer to put a law n siga hand out flyers or host a fundraiser. Once you begin to get involved you will really be surprised how much fun it is to help your candidate win. You may even score an imitation to the election night party to watch the results roll in. As a profession we have always had to fight battles for every inch we have gained. While we have done very well overall, we still have a long way to go. There arc main organized groups that would have us removed from all aspects of the health care community. Yet in order make any headway they too must win over the legislators. If the legislators in our country begin to understand the powerful impact we can have on the health of their community, they will willingly stand shoulder to shoulder alongside us. This happens when relationships arc built one by-one in your home town. We have a rich history of those who have successfully built relationships with legislators in town halls, on Capitol Hill and in the white house. Maybe it is your time to take a shot at getting involved in shaping the greatest democracy in the world so we can work towards our tnic mission of healthier and more productive lives for the American people. Dr. Keith Overland is the immediate past president of the American Chiropractic Association and now is the chairman of the legislative committee and interim chairman of the chiropractic summit government relations committee. He can be contacted at doco57<daol.com
