Grassroots Advocacy Guidebook
2015
9/26/2014
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................3
Grassroots Advocacy 101 – Your Role as an Advocate .....................................................................................4
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Policy Priority Areas ......................................................................5
The Academy’s Public Policy and Advocacy Framework...................................................................................6
Public Policy Panel Structure ..........................................................................................................................8
Affiliate President ......................................................................................................................................9
Public Policy Coordinator.......................................................................................................................... 10
State Policy Representative ...................................................................................................................... 11
Consumer Protection Coordinator ............................................................................................................ 13
Reimbursement Representative ............................................................................................................... 14
Affiliate Delegate ..................................................................................................................................... 15
DPG Delegate ........................................................................................................................................... 16
DPG/MIG Policy and Advocacy Leader ...................................................................................................... 17
The Basics: How the Legislative Process Works ............................................................................................. 18
Working with your Elected Officials .............................................................................................................. 22
Tools of the Trade ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Sharing the Stories of your Advocacy Work................................................................................................... 27
Closing the Loop by Reporting on Your Activity ............................................................................................. 28
Academy Staff Contacts ............................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................................... i
Public Policy Matrix and Position Descriptions ................................................................................................ii
Public Policy Resources ................................................................................................................................ xv
Common Legislative Terms ........................................................................................................................ xviii
Federal Agency Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... xxi
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Acronyms ............................................................................................ xxii
Success in Advocacy .................................................................................................................................. xxiii
Tips for Contacting your Member of Congress ............................................................................................ xxvi
How to Engage Your Member of Congress ................................................................................................xxviii
Legislative Meeting Tracking Form.............................................................................................................. xxx
Request for ANDPAC Contribution Form .................................................................................................... xxxi
2
Introduction
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the
profession through research, education and advocacy. Public policy and advocacy are core functions of the
Academy and are critical to achieving the mission, vision, goals and strategies of the Academy. Public policy
significantly influences and shapes the public image of the Academy and that of the nutrition and dietetics
profession.
The goal of the Academy is to help improve the health of Americans and to ensure that the public trusts
and chooses Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians Registered
(NDTRs) as the food and nutrition experts. Public policy and advocacy efforts can enhance the value of the
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and position the RDN in the forefront of the policy process by passing
effective legislation and issuing regulations that support the Academy’s priorities.
The Grassroots Advocacy Guidebook provides the affiliate, DPG and MIG public policy leaders with the
guidance for improving your grassroots policy and advocacy work. What does grassroots really mean?
Grassroots refers to any advocacy activity that happens at the local or community level. Your role as public
policy leaders is extremely important to the advocacy efforts of the Academy. The power of grassroots
activism has become a pivotal element in our political system and the influence of grassroots is expanding
exponentially. By educating your state and federal legislators and sharing with them your personal
experiences in practice, you can make the critical difference in our nation’s health and nutrition policy.
Margaret Mead stated, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
3
Grassroots Advocacy 101 – Your Role as an Advocate
Your elected officials and their staff in Washington, D.C., and your state capitol are there for you. Voters like
you elected them to office and it is the central focus of an elected official’s job to respond to voter concerns.
They need to hear from constituents regarding issues of importance. They also need to hear from us about
critical nutrition and health issues. We must be able to define our role as the expert in nutrition or others will
define it for us. As a public policy team member, your role is to be an advocate for our profession and the
health of our nation.
Grassroots advocates raise the level of awareness regarding certain causes and issues at the local, state or
federal levels. Unlike “direct lobbying,” grassroots advocacy relies almost entirely on volunteers and not
professional lobbyists to contact legislators and other government officials regarding specific issues involving
legislation and regulations.
Grassroots advocacy is one of the most common forms of lobbying. It has become an increasingly popular way
for associations to harness the thoughts and ideas of their members in order to create change within the public
policy sphere of influence. The power of “grassroots advocacy” has become a pivotal element in our political
system and the influence of grassroots efforts is expanding. Many legislative and regulatory issues have been
identified and addressed because groups of dedicated individuals made their voices heard.
Your elected representatives in Congress and state legislatures discuss legislation that is important to nutrition
professionals routinely. Medicare and Medicaid coverage, child and older adult nutrition programs, agriculture
and food access, licensure and managed care mandates all have impacts on the nutrition and dietetics
profession.
The Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy (PIA) Team in Washington, D.C., is very involved in identifying
opportunities and challenges in legislative and regulatory activity, building effective alliances and partnerships
with other organizations and maintaining a presence with elected officials. These efforts cannot begin to make
the impression that thousands of Academy members can make individually. By educating your representatives
and sharing your personal experiences in practice, you can make a difference in our nation’s health and nutrition
policy.
4
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Public Policy Priority Areas
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the
profession through research, education and advocacy. Public policy and advocacy are core functions of the
Academy and are critical to achieving the mission, vision, goals and strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan
Roadmap. Public policy significantly influences and forms the public image of the Academy and that of the
dietetics profession.
Advocacy within the Academy involves member leaders of the Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC)
and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee (ANDPAC), affiliates and Dietetic Practice
Groups (DPGs) and Member Interest Groups (MIGs) and thousands of grassroots members to achieve advocacy
goals. Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics work on a broad range of issues to improve the
nutritional and health status of Americans. Our members are recognized for their contributions and influence in
food, nutrition and health policy. To help focus and guide our policy efforts, the following priority areas and
issues have been identified:
Consumer and Community Issues
1. Prevention and treatment of chronic disease, including health care equity
2. Meeting nutrition needs through the life cycle: Maternal and child nutrition to healthy aging
3. Quality nutrition and food through education, production, access and delivery
4. Nutrition monitoring and research
Professional Issues
1. Licensure: Protection of the public
2. Workforce demand: Assuring the public has access to nutrition services delivered by qualified
practitioners
3. Outcome driven nutrition services in changing health systems
Supportive research has been identified for each of these priority areas which includes current position
papers and topics addressed in the Evidence Analysis Library (EAL). The Academy’s public policy stances
are developed by the LPPC and approved by the Board of Directors. Input is solicited from member
experts in the area of practice.
Academy positions are statements based on scientific evidence that are published in the Journal of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Position statements are periodically reviewed, revised and in certain
cases, retired by the Academy Position Committee. Public policy stances are developed by the LPPC and
approved by the Academy Board of Directors when a formal position has not been published by the
Academy on an issue that is relevant to the public policy priority areas.
The Academy speaks with one voice on public policy issues. No affiliate, dietetic practice group or
member interest group should advocate a position that is inconsistent with official Academy positions.
Since there is a need for a consistent Academy message on public policy issues, affiliates, DPGs and MIGs
are asked to consult with the PIA staff before making a statement on a policy issue.
5
The Academy’s Public Policy and Advocacy Framework
The framework for the Academy’s public policy and advocacy efforts includes:
 The Legislative and Public Policy Committee
 The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee
 The Affiliates’ Public Policy Panel
 The DPG/MIG Involvement
The Academy’s Legislative and Public Policy Committee
The Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) helps guide the Academy’s public policy work including, but
not limited to, activities related to national and state legislative and regulatory issues. The LPPC reports to the
Academy's Board of Directors and House of Delegates. The Committee meets once a month via conference call
and at the annual FNCE® and Public Policy Workshop events.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the LPPC collaboratively receives information, positions and guidance of other
Academy committees, task forces, workgroups and teams. The Committee consists of twelve members of the
Academy plus the President-elect, Speaker of the House, ANDPAC Chair and others serving as ex-officio
members. The Academy's President and Speaker appoint all members and Ex-officio members for staggered
three-year terms.
The Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) provides guidance for the legislative and public policy
activities of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. There has been significant progress in the development of
the public policy panel (PPP) over the past several years as the Academy has strived to further develop its
grassroots network in the affiliates. The LPPC’s role in providing oversight requires collaboration with the Policy
Initiatives and Advocacy (PIA) staff in defining, executing and measuring the work of the PPP.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee
ANDPAC is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee — and is the only political action
committee broadly focused on food, nutrition and health. It ranks among the top health professional political
action committees in the country. The goal of ANDPAC is to support pro-nutrition candidates for federal office.
The ANDPAC website, Eatright.org/ANDPAC, offers Academy members the opportunity to explore many of the
issues and activities involving political action and nutrition and dietetics, as well as a directory of relevant links.
ANDPAC encourages Academy members to attend local fundraisers for members of Congress. One of the
Academy's priorities for this year is to integrate grassroots, advocacy efforts and ANDPAC activities. Sponsoring
Academy members to attend local fundraisers is part of that process. Academy member attendance at locally
held fundraisers helps the Academy's advocacy efforts in several ways:
 Academy members have the opportunity to get involved in advocacy and greater involvement
strengthens the Academy's grassroots network.
 Congressmen prefer to hear from their constituents about issues.
 Local fundraisers are considerably less expensive to attend than those in Washington, which is a more
efficient use of ANDPAC dollars.
 Local events tend to be smaller, so Academy members are likely to have more "face time" with the
congressman.
If dietetics is your profession, policy should be your passion!
6
Affiliate Public Policy Panel
The Public Policy Panel (PPP) was established to engage members to affect positive policy change for our
profession. One of the most powerful advocacy assets of a member-based organization is its potential for
grassroots advocacy. The PPP allows for each affiliate to be a voice on policy at the local, state and federal level.
The PPP is used to describe the seven or more volunteer member leader positions who work together to affect
policy change.
The public policy matrix (see Appendix A) describes the different positions that are integral to the PPP. The LPPC
offers this matrix as a first step that ensures all organizational units and committees have a clear understanding
of the PPP as it relates to policy and advocacy efforts. It is noted that the Reimbursement Representatives fall
under the jurisdiction of the Nutrition Services Coverage Team (NSC). The matrix includes information on the
following areas:



Description
Key relationships (including external stakeholders)
Staff Liaison
DPG/MIG Involvement with Legislation and Public Policy Issues
DPGs/MIGs are fundamental to achieving the Academy’s public policy goals. The Academy’s Dietetic
Practice/Member Interest Group Policy & Procedure Manual provides the guidance for the DPG/MIG
involvement with legislation and public policy issues (Policy Number P-5 DPG/MIG Involvement with Legislation
and Public Policy Issues). In order to collaborate to the highest level possible, the following should occur:
1. Identify one member of the DPG/MIG to serve as the Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL).
2. Identify members of the DPG/MIG with expertise on relevant issues to serve as content experts for policy
initiatives as requested.
3. Communicate the DPG/MIG’s public policy goals annually to the PIA team through the development of a
public policy plan of work or other document that outlines the regulatory, legislative and other public policy
goals of the DPG/MIG.
4. Meet with PIA staff to collaborate on the Academy’s public policy priority areas and/or discuss emerging
public policy issues.
5. Promote and participate in Academy action alerts and engage DPG/MIG members in grassroots advocacy
efforts.
6. Provide content expertise for Academy public policy initiatives at the local, state and federal levels including
regulatory comment submissions, stance or position development and review and legislation language
development and review using the process outlined in the policy.
7. Support the Academy’s public policy positions and stances. DPG/MIG developed messaging materials that
are practice-area specific must be submitted to the DPG/MIG Relations Manager and to PIA staff for
approval.
8. Communicate with the Academy DPG/MIG manager and the PIA team prior to advocating on a position or
stance. DPG/MIGs are restricted from publicly advocating for a position/stance on behalf of the DPG/MIG
that is not consistent with the Academy’s official position, including submitting regulatory or other public
comments.
7
Public Policy Panel Structure
Each affiliate may choose to include additional members on the panel. The affiliate president-elect is not
included on the panel, but assists the affiliate president with oversight of the PPP. Positions include:









Affiliate President (AP)
Public Policy Coordinator (PPC)
State Policy Representative (SPR)
State Regulatory Specialist (SRS)
Consumer Protection Coordinator (CPC)
Reimbursement Representative (RR)
Delegate – Affiliate
Delegate – DPG
DPG Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL)
Affiliate panels are encouraged to invite other members to be part of the panel to enhance volunteer
participation in public policy activities. Dietetic Practice Groups (DPG) and Member Interest Groups (MIG)
members are important resources for affiliate Public Policy Panels.
The Public Policy Coordinator is encouraged to chair the PPP meetings. Minutes should be kept for all meetings
and conference calls.
Each meeting of the PPP should be seen as an opportunity to discuss relevant policy priorities specific to your
affiliate or DPG/MIG. Informing and educating members on the substance of the issues allows for the effective
development of grassroots and advocacy initiatives.
The Academy recommends that affiliates develop a mentoring program and engage members on initiatives to
build a pool of involved participants from which to draft leaders and create a smooth transition for the PPP year
after year. Consider every meeting as a chance to recruit future policy leaders.
Panel members should serve for three consecutive years. This gives the panel continuity and time to develop
future leaders. When changing leader positions, an affiliate may wish to consider co-leaders during the third
year term.
Below is an outline of the tasks and checklist for the year for PPP members. Leaders may use the form for easy
tracking. Position specific position descriptions are located in the Grassroots Advocacy Guidebook Appendix.
8
Affiliate President
The Affiliate President serves as the link between the affiliate board and the public policy panel. The president
also provides leadership and guidance to PPC and PPP.
The Affiliate President responsibilities include:
Tasks
Provide leadership and guidance to PPC and other PPP members
Participate in meetings with PPP
Participate or assign a designee participating on monthly Academy
Public Policy Open Forum webinars and quarterly informational
webinars
Appoint members of your state PPP as appropriate during your
term as president
Provide recommendations to the governor for appointments to the
licensure/certification board
Encourage members to attend FNCE® and Public Policy Workshop
(PPW)
Assist PPC with effort to have affiliate members attend at least 5 indistrict events (town hall, tele-town hall, PAC event) per year
Promote and encourage regular public policy updates, action alert
participation and other policy or legislative updates
Work with members to develop constituent relationships with state
and federal legislators
Assist with member “Call to Action” for federal and state issues
Attend Public Policy Workshop (PPW)
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training
webinar
Attend Academy affiliate president position training webinar
Assist with development of affiliate annual public policy plan of
work
Place PPP goals and priorities on affiliate board agenda
Assist with developing communication strategy for affiliate public
policy activities
Assist PPP with planning for congressional district meetings during
August work period
Participate on conference call with Academy Director, Grassroots
Advocacy
Schedule and attend meeting with Academy Director, Grassroots
Advocacy at FNCE®
Assist affiliate president-elect with appointing PPP members for
upcoming year
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
9
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
June
June
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer/Fall
Fall
Winter/Spring
Public Policy Coordinator
The Public Policy Coordinator (PPC) role is to educate affiliate members on the federal legislative and public
policy issues that affect their area(s) of practice. The PPC is the key connection between the Academy Policy
Initiatives and Advocacy (PIA) staff and your affiliate leaders. The PPC is encouraged to coordinate and
facilitate the PPP meetings.
The Public Policy Coordinator responsibilities include:
Tasks
Plan, schedule and facilitate PPP meetings
Lead effort on expanding grassroots member volunteer base in home state
Assist affiliate members with developing constituent relationships with
members of Congress
Participate on monthly Academy Public Policy Open Forum webinars and
quarterly informational webinars
Provide affiliate members with timely public policy updates (example,
quarterly newsletter)
Coordinate effort to have affiliate members attend at least 5 in-district events
(town hall, tele-town hall, PAC event) per year
Coordinate federal legislative affiliate activities
Coordinate federal action alerts using approved PIA message and sends “Call
to Action” to members
Provide instruction on, encouragement and reminders to respond to action
alerts utilizing the Academy’s Grassroots Manager
Identify policy presentations to be included on agenda at annual affiliate
meetings/conferences
Monitor action alert metrics and identifies strategies to increase member
participation
Attend PPW
Attend Academy PPC position training webinar
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Identify members of the PPP and develop a committee roster
Lead the development of affiliate annual public policy plan of work
Present goals and priorities to affiliate board for approval
Create a communications plan mapping out how information will be conveyed
to affiliate board of directors, members and Districts (if applicable)
Identify one affiliate member liaison in each congressional district to be the
key contact for policy issues with member of Congress
Identify one affiliate member to be an expert in each of the priority areas
Plan for congressional district meetings during August work period -schedule
meetings with Congress members, involve members and develop a plan for
“Take Your Member of Congress to Work” campaign
Schedule and participate on conference call with Academy Director,
Grassroots Advocacy – include PPP members
Schedule and attend meeting with Academy Director, Grassroots Advocacy at
FNCE®
Communicate with PPW affiliate attendees
Set up congressional meetings to be conducted during PPW, facilitate
meetings and follow-up communications
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
10
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
June
June
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer/Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
State Policy Representative
The State Policy Representative (SPR) monitors and keeps members informed on key state legislative
issues. Throughout the year it is important for the SPR to take the lead in meeting with the state legislators
who serve on committees with jurisdiction on issues impacting food, nutrition and health legislation. This
outreach helps build relationships and increase visibility of the profession.
The State Policy Representative responsibilities include:
Tasks
Coordinate affiliate state legislative activities and advocacy efforts
Participate in meetings with PPP
Monitor state legislation and advocacy opportunities
Work with PIA staff to align affiliate activities with Academy priorities
Communicate updates on state legislation and programs to affiliate members
regularly
Develop state level action alerts and mobilizes members at grassroots level
Assist with member “Call to Action” for federal and state issues
Coordinate and meet with State Legislators on issues as needed
Coordinate and meet with state agencies and potential coalition partners to
advance state initiatives as needed
Participate on monthly Academy Public Policy Open Forum webinars and
quarterly informational webinars
Participate in development of affiliate annual public policy plan of work
Attend Academy SPR position training webinar
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Coordinate, plan and attend Legislative Day at state Capitol
Coordinate and attend meeting with Governor annually
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
11
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Summer
June
June
Fall/Winter
Fall
State Regulatory Specialist____________________________________
The State Regulatory Specialist (SRS) monitors state regulatory initiatives and identifies opportunities in state
rulemaking upon passage of legislation. The SRS is the lead on issues relating to health care reform.
The State Regulatory Specialist responsibilities include:
Tasks
Identify opportunities in state rulemaking upon passage of state legislation
Review monthly, regulatory language through state regulatory action reports
and report back to the PPP on potential impact of state initiatives
Participate in meetings with PPP
Participate in the training on how to read regulations and create relationships
with necessary partners
Meet with state regulatory agencies to advance state initiatives
Participate on monthly Academy Public Policy Open Forum webinars and
quarterly informational webinars
Work with PPP to monitor state and federal legislation
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Monitor state regulatory activities
Ongoing
Prepare comments, letters and communications to elected officials, state
regulatory boards and state agency directors
Monitor insurance department/insurance exchange rules and regulations and
communicate with the reimbursement representative
Participate in state meetings/initiatives related to health care reform
Ongoing
Assist with member “Call to Action” for federal and state issues
Ongoing
Attend Academy SRS position training webinar
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Participate in development of affiliate annual public policy plan of work
Participate in Legislative Day at state Capitol
PIA Staff Contact: Pepin Tuma, [email protected]
12
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
June
Summer
Fall/Winter
Consumer Protection Coordinator
The Consumer Protection Coordinator (CPC) informs the affiliate about consumer protection issues and
monitors the activities of state licensure, certification or regulatory boards.
The Consumer Protection Coordinator responsibilities include:
Tasks
Monitor consumer protection issues and their impact on the affiliate’s licensure
statute and related issues through state tracking service and other resources
Participate in Academy consumer protection issues meetings, webinars and
monthly Academy Public Policy Open Forums
Communicate with the PPP on consumer protection and licensure issues
impacting the public and the profession
Develop a plan to assure that RDNs and consumers know how to and can easily
report statute violations as well as success and effectiveness stories of RDNs
Attend all licensure/certification board meetings and report back to the affiliate
board
Monitor the status of RDN licensure/certification board terms of office
Monitor the overall licensure/certification board structure with regard to
professional representation roles
Assist affiliate board with recommendations to the governor for appointments
to the licensure/certification board
Assist affiliate board with confirming governor’s action on appointment of RDN
licensure board members
Keep affiliate board aware of sunset dates and collaborate with affiliate
leadership regarding a plan for sunset preparation
Lead the plan for effective strategies regarding preparation for sunset
Maintain compendium of current state licensure statutes and regulations and
licensure board meeting minutes, annual reports or other pertinent
communications
Provide testimony when necessary on behalf of the affiliate at licensure related
public hearings
PIA Staff Contact: Pepin Tuma, [email protected]
13
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Reimbursement Representative
The Reimbursement Representative (RR) serves as a local resource for Academy members who have questions
about reimbursement issues and serves as coordinator of local advocacy efforts to expand state (Medicaid) and
local (private payer) nutrition coverage policies. The RR reports to the PPP, Affiliate board or DPG executive
committee and Nutrition Coverage Services team.
The Reimbursement Representative responsibilities include:
Tasks
Participate in meetings with PPP
Initiate or support local coding and coverage issues including coverage
expansion and/or integration of RDNs into alternate delivery and payment
models among third party payers or other decision makers
Communicate on topics including Medicare, Medicaid and private sector
coverage
Direct members to federal, state and private insurance coding and coverage
resources
Collect and utilize information and resources on coding and coverage
Provide information on insurance coding and coverage resources as they
pertain to federal and state policies
Support coding and coverage issues on the local level by initiating advance
members’ coverage activities with third party payers or other decision makers
Participate in Academy health care reform education and training
Serve as a resource for members in their Affiliate or DPG areas for inquiries
on local nutrition services coverage and Medicare Part B MNT/DSMT services
Monitor insurance department/insurance exchange rules and regulations and
communicate with the state regulatory representative
Assist with member “Call to Action” for federal and state issues
Attend Academy RR position orientation conference call
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Participate on monthly Public Policy Open Forum webinars and quarterly
informational webinars
Participate in development of affiliate annual public policy plan of work
Coordinate and attend meetings with state Insurance Commissioner and
Medicaid Director
Participate in Legislative Day at state Capitol
NSC Staff Contact: Marsha Schofield, [email protected]
14
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
July
June
Ongoing
Summer
Fall/Winter
Affiliate Delegate
The Affiliate Delegate serves as the affiliate voice in the House of Delegates and ensures alignment of public
policy activities with Academy legislative priorities.
The Affiliate Delegate responsibilities include:
Tasks
Ensure alignment of affiliate public policy activities with Academy legislative
priorities
Participate in meetings with PPP
Provide process orientation to public policy panel
Assist with grassroots mobilization for responding to federal/state legislation
and regulations
Assist with implementation of communication strategy (e.g., visits to districts
with messages related to legislative and regulatory issues)
Provide input and advice as needed
Review quarterly affiliate public policy report in order to prepare for HOD
meetings
Assist with member “Call to Action” for federal and state issues
Attend Academy PIA Delegate position training webinar
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Participate in development of affiliate annual public policy plan of work
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
15
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
June
Summer
DPG Delegate
The DPG Delegate serves as the DPG voice in the House of Delegates and ensures alignment of public policy
activities with Academy legislative priorities.
The DPG Delegate responsibilities include:
Tasks
Ensure DPG follow advocacy guidelines
Participate in DPG meetings
Provide process orientation to DPG leaders and executive committee
Assist with grassroots mobilization for responding to federal/state
legislation and regulations
Assist with implementation of communication strategy (e.g. visits to
districts with messages related to legislative and regulatory issues)
Provide input and advice as needed
Review quarterly DPG public policy report in order to prepare for HOD
meetings
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Participate in development of DPG annual public policy plan of work
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
16
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
Summer
DPG/MIG Policy and Advocacy Leader
The DPG/MIG Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL) serves as the DPG/MIG link with PIA and provides expert
content to PIA for advocacy efforts, messaging and regulatory comments.
The DPG/MIG Policy and Advocacy Leader responsibilities include:
Tasks
Identify and recruit members with expertise on relevant issues to serve as
content experts for public policy initiatives as requested
Meet with PIA staff to collaborate on the public policy priority areas as
requested by either the DPG/MIG or PIA staff
Promote and participate in Academy action alerts and engages DPG/MIG
members in grassroots advocacy efforts
Submit DPG/MIG’s recommendations for Academy public policy initiatives
including regulatory comments, stance or position development and review
and legislation language development and review
Communicate with members and committees to elicit timely response to
legislative and regulatory issues
Keep Executive Committee (EC) and members informed about legislative
and regulatory issues via newsletters and other communication pathways
Encourage DPG/MIG members to work closely with state public policy
panel leaders on regulatory and legislative issues, especially when a strong
grassroots effort is needed
Attend Academy PAL position training webinar
Attend Academy public policy and advocacy orientation training webinar
Attend Public Policy Workshop (PPW) in Washington, D.C.
Communicate public policy goals annually to PIA staff through the
development of a public policy plan of work or other document that
outlines the regulatory, legislative and other public policy goals of the
DPG/MIG
PIA Staff Contact: Teresa Nece, [email protected]
17
Completion Date
Timeline
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
June
June
June
Summer/Fall
The Basics: How the Legislative Process Works
Congress begins its session in January of odd numbered years with a two-year time frame being referred to as a
Congress. The Congresses are numbered sequentially. For example, the current Congress in session from
January of 2013 through December of 2014 is referred to as the 113th Congress.
Our system currently provides for a two-year term of office for House members from the 435 population-based
districts. In the Senate, voters of each state elect two Senators, who serve 6-year terms that overlap (such that
only one-third of the chamber is up for election in any given election cycle).
In our two-party system, most elected representatives are members of the Republican or Democratic Parties.
The party with the most members in a house of Congress is referred to as the “majority party,” and the other
party is referred to as the “minority party.”
The House
Speaker of the House – Chosen by a majority party vote, followed by a majority vote of the full House. The
Speaker presides over all sessions, the scheduling of votes and who is recognized to speak. The Speaker also
has responsibility for referring bills to the appropriate committee, for appointing members to conference
committees and chairing the majority party committee that makes all party assignments and nominates
committee chairman. Committee chairmen must be approved by a vote of that party’s members.
House Majority Leader – Serves as the party’s major spokesperson for its legislative agenda. Working with the
Speaker, the House Majority Leader develops and coordinates the party’s legislative platform for the
Congressional Session.
House Majority Whip – Responsible for winning party support for legislation supported by his or her party
leadership. He or she conducts “head count” votes to determine the level of support for a bill before an actual
vote. These head counts are used by leadership to influence members who remain undecided.
The minority party has identical positions called the House Minority Leader and House Minority Whip.
The Senate
Senate Majority Leader – Elected by members of the majority party and guides the process of determining the
flow of debate over legislation.
Senate Majority Whip – Has the same function as the House Majority Whip.
The minority party has identical positions called the Senate Minority Leader and Senate Minority Whip.
Committees: The Legislative Work Room
The real work of making legislation happens in committees. After being introduced, bills are referred to
committee. Here they are researched by staff and debated. Thousands of bills are introduced each session. A
committee can bring a bill to a vote quickly or decide to take no action. Committees hold hearings while they
debate a specific bill and this often provides opportunity for expert and public testimony.
Members typically serve on a small number of committees, often for many years, allowing them to become
highly knowledgeable in certain policy areas. Committee chairpersons hold some of the most important
powers in Congress. All committees are chaired by a member of the majority party, though chairs often work
18
closely with the committee’s ranking member, the most senior member of the minority party on the
committee.
Committees and their subcommittees are set up to deal with specific areas of legislation. The names of the
committees and their structures are different for the House and Senate, although they cover the same issues.
The committees that are typically involved with nutrition and health related issues of importance to the
Academy include:










Senate Finance Committee
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
o Subcommittee on Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Food and Agricultural Research
Senate Special Committee on Aging
Senate Appropriations
House Appropriations
House Ways and Means Committee and its Health Subcommittee
House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Health and Environment Subcommittee
House Committee on Education and Workforce
o Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions
House Committee on Agriculture
o Subcommittee Department Operations, Oversight and Nutrition
For each committee, a staff of legal and technical experts and other aides advise legislators on the issues.
These staff members look to outside sources when doing their research, so it is important to build relationships
with staff members. For data on the economic impact of legislation, committee staff members rely on studies
from the U.S. Government Accounting Office (GAO) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It is helpful to
have knowledge of the economic impact of any proposed legislation to speak about it effectively.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Introduction of the Bill: A member or group of members of Congress introduces a bill. It is assigned a number
(with “HR” preceding bills introduced in the House and “S” preceding bills introduced in the Senate) and a
name. It is then referred to a committee. The original sponsor or co-sponsors of the bill take the responsibility
for guiding a bill through the legislative process. The ideas for proposed legislation and the language in bills are
often developed in collaboration with constituents and organizations like the Academy.
The Committee Process: The committee process usually determines whether a bill is passed, defeated or
ignored. When a committee selects a bill for consideration, the staff begins by doing preliminary research to
determine how to proceed in the subsequent phases of consideration. This is a critical time for Academy
members to be in touch with committee staff and the staff of legislators, to point them toward important
sources of information and expert witnesses. If the bill is recommended for further action, the committee
conducts public hearings to become aware of varying opinions about the bill. Afterwards, the bill is scheduled
for “mark up.” This is a time when the committee discusses a bill line by line, making any changes they agree
upon. Mark up is another important time for phone calls and letters to legislators. After markup is completed,
the committee decides whether or not to report the bill out of committee to the Senate or House for a vote.
The committee issues a report on each bill it considers fully. The report includes an explanation of the bill and
its implications and a full range of opinions expressed about the bill.
Floor Action: In the House, the House Rules Committee determines how a bill is treated. The Rules Committee
determines how much time will be devoted to debate, how and if amendments can be proposed and timing of
19
the vote. In the Senate, the Senate Majority Leader works with other leaders to determine how the bill will be
considered. Before a floor vote is a good time to contact your elected official.
Conference Committee: A bill that has been passed by both the House and Senate moves to a conference
committee which is made up of members of each chamber. The committee works out any differences between
the House and Senate versions of the bill. The revised bill is sent back to both chambers for their final approval.
Before a bill can be sent to the President, it must pass both the House and Senate in identical form.
The President’s Options: The Constitution gives the President 10 days to sign or veto a bill. The President has
the following options for action:
1) Veto the bill and send it back to Congress for further debate and consideration. It takes 2/3 of both
bodies to override a Presidential veto.
2) Leave the bill unsigned. If Congress is in session for 10 consecutive days (not including Sunday) and the
President does not sign the bill, it automatically becomes a law. If Congress recesses during the 10-day
period, the bill is automatically vetoed.
3) Sign the bill into law and direct it to the appropriate agencies for implementation.
Most state governments operate in a similar fashion, although each state has its own unique process for how
and when bills may be introduced and considered and what responsibilities the governor has in the process.
Implementation of a New Law
After a bill becomes a law, it is referred to a federal agency to write rules and regulations for how it will be
implemented and enforced. It is very important for the Academy to stay involved as these agencies draft the
rules. The agencies often hold public comment periods and sometimes public hearings to obtain input for the
most effective ways to implement the law.
Working with Legislative Staff: Who’s Who
All Members of Congress have staff in both Washington, D.C., and back in their district/state. They have
significant influence on the legislator’s schedule, priorities and positions. The following are common staff
member titles and their designated responsibilities:







Administrative Assistant (AA) or Chief of Staff (CoS): The AA acts as the executive assistant or chief of
staff and often is in charge of all office operations including the assignment of work and the hiring of
staff. He or she is usually involved in many political and policy decisions.
Legislative Director (LD): The LD monitors the legislative schedule and makes recommendations
regarding the pros and cons of particular issues or proposals. Works with the Member of Congress and
AA/CoS to determine legislative priorities, oversees development of legislative proposals and directs the
work of the legislative staff.
Legislative Aide or Assistant (LA): The LA focuses on particular policy issues such as health, education or
taxes. Duties include keeping the elected official up to date on developments in a specific legislative
area. LA’s often write the elected official’s speeches and position papers.
Legislative Correspondent (LC): The LC answers letters and calls from constituents.
Press Secretary or Communications Director: Builds and maintains open lines of communication between
the Member, the media, the constituents and the general public. Serves as the Member’s spokesperson.
Scheduler: Makes all appointments for the elected official.
Staff Assistant: Greets visitors to the Member’s office. Responds to constituent requests for information.
Performs general administrative duties.
20
Similarly, committee staffs have varying titles and responsibilities, with policy analysts and legal counselors
playing key roles. Contact the committee directly to determine titles, names and roles.
When contacting the offices of elected officials, be sure to establish good rapport with all staff members
because they provide access to the elected official. Keep the following points in mind when working with
Congressional staffers:








Remember who they are. They are key figures in developing policy.
Do not overestimate what they know. They often need outside expertise. First, ask how familiar they are
with a particular subject so you can tailor your remarks to their knowledge level.
Do not underestimate their influence. Legislators trust them, depend on them and act on their
suggestions. They make recommendations to direct the Member’s position and actions. Junior staffers
are often promoted to senior positions, so it is important to treat all staffers with respect.
Be honest. Provide accurate, complete information to maintain your credibility. If you don’t know an
answer, make sure to get back to them with the correct information.
Provide summarized, useful information. Information should be concise and have references.
Follow-up. Congressional staff are extremely busy and may easily forget your issue unless you follow-up.
Be a resource and stay connected. Maintain regular contact and offer to be a resource on which the
staffer can rely. Send updates or articles you think may be of interest in keeping up to speed on key
issues.
Express thanks to the Member of Congress and staff.
21
Working with your Elected Officials
The key principle to remember in working with elected officials, whether they are your representatives in
Washington or your state capitol, is they are driven by their perceptions of what their voters want. These
perceptions are formed by a combination of what they observe in:
 letters, emails and phone calls from constituents
 meetings with constituents
 town meetings or other public forums with constituents
 meetings with political allies
 meetings with lobbyists
 media coverage
 social media
 research conducted by their staff members
 their own surveys of voters
Almost every one of these interactions creates an opportunity for Academy members to influence elected
officials' perceptions about the importance of nutrition and health issues to their constituents. Understanding a
few core principles about communicating with elected officials will mean that every opportunity is used to the
fullest.
“All politics is local”: This cardinal rule was often repeated by a life-long political player, former Speaker of the
House "Tip" O'Neill. It means that federal policy is impacted at a local level and that local examples can often
provide a more meaningful picture than national statistics. It also means that the involvement of local people
and organizations will get the attention of the official more effectively than a contact in Washington.
Additionally, local voters, local newspapers and local TV stations are as important, if not more important, to an
elected official as party leaders or political power brokers. This is why it is so important to have patients, health
leaders in your community and the leaders of business and other organizations in your area speak on behalf of
your issue. If you are involved in other leadership positions in your community (e.g. on a hospital Board, a
member of Rotary, PTA officer, etc.) mention that along with your professional affiliation. Every communication
with your elected official should contain local information.
A picture is worth a thousand words: Another aspect of this personal style of grassroots activism is the power
of visual images. A photograph, a video clip, a graph or a picture drawn by a child can capture a story more
vividly than a page full of text. Visual images are tremendously effective not only in TV, but are also effective
attached to a letter, included in a handout or flyer at a town meeting, in a newsletter and in social media posts.
Once you have identified relevant anecdotes and personal stories, put some thought into how you can capture
them visually.
Be open and honest in all communications: Your credibility is essential. If elected officials find that they
cannot completely trust your information, then you and all of your Academy colleagues, will be suspect in the
future. Don't let your passion for the subject matter lead to exaggeration. And if you don't know, say so and
get back with more information promptly.
The power of the personal appeal: Another saying is that “All politics are personal.” Find out as much as
possible about the personal links to nutrition and health issues of those you want to influence. For example,
making a connection through an elected official's or staff member's personal or family experience with
diabetes, geriatric malnutrition or heart disease can make your message much more powerful and memorable.
By identifying these personal experiences, you often tap an emotional nerve and awaken a dormant source of
strong support. But also be aware of the sensitive nature of this type of information.
22
Know the issue: Before you make any contact with an elected official, study the issue carefully and be
prepared to answer potential questions. If it is regarding specific legislation, know where the bill stands (e.g., is
it in committee, awaiting a floor vote or in a conference committee?).
The media machine and its influence: Daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, TV news, radio and TV talk
shows and social media all play an important role in working with elected officials. You can use them to carry
your messages far and wide and you can also use them to convince your elected officials that a specific
nutrition and health issue is on the public agenda. Be sure to clip letters-to-the-editor or editorials from
newspapers that support your position or human interest articles that focus on your issue. Include them in the
written information packet you leave behind after a meeting or attach them to a letter. You can also mention a
TV news story or radio talk show that examined your issue to show that it is of interest to a wide range of
people. Make the point that the media coverage of the issue will help make the general voting population
more interested and that you can help them stay ahead of the issue.
Boost your visibility with social media: With the majority of members of Congress using social media platforms
such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, these venues for communication provide many opportunities to stay
engaged with legislators. Be sure that your social media communications adhere to the Academy’s Social Media
Policy (available here: http://www.eatright.org/socialmediapolicy/#.VAiCe0uc9o0) when advocating on behalf
of the Academy, your affiliate, DPG or MIG.
It all adds up: The core principle here is that every additional letter, every additional phone call, every contact
creates a stronger and stronger perception that dietetics professionals are a force to be reckoned with. This
underscores the importance of getting others involved to multiply the impact. When the staff of an elected
official receives several letters or calls on a topic, they may take note. When they receive hundreds or
thousands, they know it is an issue they must confront. Quantity matters.
Know your allies and your opposition: In addition to recruiting fellow dietetics professionals to get involved
and make personal contact with legislators, it is important to establish as broad a base as possible by forming
alliances with other groups who support your cause. For example, local chapters of the American Diabetes
Association, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society may be very supportive on
medical nutrition therapy coverage issues.
Community child welfare organizations may be supportive of issues relating to changes in structure of the
Medicaid and WIC programs. Meet with their legislative leaders to identify areas of common ground and to
enlist their support in writing letters, making phone calls, sending emails and attending public meetings. On the
other hand, be prepared for opposing views. Identify the organizations that can mobilize voters and be
prepared to refute their message points. Understand the factors that motivate your opposition and point it out
to legislators in a fair, open way.
With these general principles in mind, you will want to look at key ways to reach your elected officials. The
tools in the guidebook appendix will provide you guidance on making a phone call to your elected official,
visiting your elected official at their office or writing a letter.
A Word about Email Letter
Email is an efficient, acceptable way to reach your elected official. However, it is important to resist the
temptation to be informal in an email to an elected official. Take care to use the same formality in
salutations, structure and subject matter that you would on your letterhead. Remember, it can still be
printed out and saved -- that is our objective! An additional advantage of email is that it is very easy to
include copies to your state policy leaders and Academy PIA staff. If you send an email, it is best to also send
23
a written letter on your letterhead because that implies the official endorsement of your organization and
you get a chance to make a "reminder" impression.
Inviting Your Member of Congress to Visit Your Workplace
Seeing is believing and getting an elected official to see dietetics professionals in their own settings will help
make believers of them. These site visits have been effective around the country in convincing legislators to
support the Academy’s policy initiatives. If you haven't tried this yet, start planning today!
 Check with your affiliate or DPG leaders to make sure no one else in your area is approaching
the same legislator.
 Gain approval from the appropriate people in your institution.
 Check your institution's schedule to determine any conflicts.
 Know the schedules of key allies in your workplace -- doctors, nurses and administrators in
your organization who will speak in support of the issue, so they can be available for the site
visit.
 Plan ahead! Call your elected official's office to invite him/her and to determine when
h e / she will be in your area.
 Work through the staff contact responsible for health policy and the scheduler, to arrive at a
schedule. Aim for about one hour, but determine the length of time the legislator can
commit and plan accordingly.
 If the legislator cannot attend personally, do not hesitate to pursue a site visit with staff
members. They carry substantial influence.
 Follow up in writing, confirm by telephone and offer to answer any questions in advance.
 Provide an agenda several weeks before the visit.
 Notify all staff at your organization of the visit several days in advance, so that everyone can be
prepared.
 Call the day before to confirm one last time.
 Plan to take photographs of the visit for use in newsletters and the media.
 Be flexible! Legislators have extremely busy schedules and many last minute changes.
After the site visit, be sure to write a follow-up letter thanking the legislator and staff for coming to your place
of work.
Note: A site visit from a Senator, U.S. Representative or state legislator may present a great opportunity for
media coverage. Consider arranging for television or newspaper reporters to accompany this visit, as well.
You should obtain approval from the elected official's office before proceeding and work closely with his or
her press secretary to coordinate.
Following Up and Staying in Touch
Once you have established a relationship, stay in touch with elected officials and their staff members. Look
for ways to become a trusted source of nutrition information whenever a nutrition issue arises.




Write thank you letters for meetings and site visits promptly.
When an elected official speaks out favorably on your issue or votes in committee or on the
floor, write, call or email to acknowledge the support.
If an elected official has been especially supportive, attend a campaign fundraiser and bring
along as many colleagues as possible. Be sure to make your presence known at the
fundraiser.
When new information supporting Academy positions is available, send it promptly and
follow up with a phone call.
24


If you see a letter-to-the-editor or op-ed piece in your newspaper supporting the Academy's
position on an issue, clip it and send it along with a letter.
Peer-reviewed professional journals are always a respected source of information. If you see
a journal article that supports an issue, send it to the elected official along with a brief letter
in which you explain the implications in lay terms. As always, use personal, local examples
to illustrate the point.
Be creative! Look for opportunities to stay in touch that will reinforce the need for effective nutrition and
health policy.
Working with Coalitions (adapted from the Prevention Institute*)
A coalition is a group of organizations and individuals working together to influence outcomes on a specific
problem or issue. Coalitions are useful because they create a broader reach than an individual organization and
can be an effective way to consolidate resources to achieve a common goal. They also provide a forum for
sharing information and facilitate cooperation among grassroots organizations and community members.
Before developing a new coalition, be sure that there isn’t already an existing group with the same or similar
mission. It may make more sense to join an existing coalition than create a new one.
Some examples of the Academy and state affiliate coalition involvement include:
The Academy joined the Aging in Motion coalition in March 2012 to help raise awareness of the importance of
good nutrition as a component of prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in the aging population.
The Academy is a member of the United States Breastfeeding Committee, an independent nonprofit coalition
of more than 40 organizations that support the mission to improve the nation's health by working
collaboratively to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.
The Washington State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a member of the Anti-Hunger & Nutrition
Coalition, which has successfully advocated for strategic policy and state appropriations to maximize federal
nutrition programs, reinforce the community-based emergency food assistance system and link local farmers
with the needs of the hungry in the state of Washington.
For more on building effective coalitions, see the Prevention Institute’s Developing Effective Coalitions: An
Eight Step Guide, available in print and online:
http://www.preventioninstitute.org/index.php?option=com_jlibrary&view=article&id=104&Itemid=127
*Cohen L, Baer N, Satterwhite P. Developing effective coalitions: an eight step guide. In: Wurzbach ME, ed.
Community Health Education & Promotion: A Guide to Program Design and Evaluation. 2nd ed. Gaithersburg,
MD: Aspen Publishers Inc; 2002:144-161.
25
Tools of the Trade
The Academy provides resources for members to utilize when working on issues with members of Congress or
their staff.
The Issue Brief
This tool provides Academy members the details about a particular bill or issue. This resource summarizes key
points as well as provides the research and supporting documentation. The following is an example.
The Talking Points
The talking points resource provide the Academy member with a simple outline of the issue to be
discussed with a member of Congress. The following is an example.
The Leave Behind
This resource provides the member of Congress with the details about the particular bill or issue. The
following is an example.
26
Sharing the Stories of your Advocacy Work
Adapted from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Connect Resource Manual for Project Connect:
(http://www.rwjf.org/en/grants/grantee-resources/connect-project.html)
The importance of stories
It is often said on the Hill that, “Facts make you credible. Stories make you memorable.” Policymakers rarely
make decisions based on facts alone. There are multiple influences on the decision making process and as
legislators are inundated with information on a wide variety of topics, the right story can be very effective in
highlighting your issue and influencing legislators. Some tips for telling effective stories include:
Be purposeful: Use your story to illustrate a key success or challenge in your work. For example, if advocating
for legislation ensuring adequate supply of medical foods, a story of a local patient at the Veterans
Administration hospital impacted by a shortage of tube feeding formula can be easily understood. To make
sure the purpose of your story is clear, follow this by saying, “I’m telling you this story because…”
Be strategic: In the above example, a story from a veteran may be particularly salient to a Member on the
Veteran’s Affairs Committee. If your legislator was an educator and you are advocating for child nutrition
programs, telling a story about the impact of school breakfast and lunch on a student’s academic achievement
may also garner more interest. Develop stories of economic benefit and impact as well. For example, if you
provided MNT counseling for a client who was able to manage their diabetes well enough to be able to return
to work, that is a powerful story.
Make an emotional connection: Members of Congress and their staff rely heavily on real constituent stories.
Be judicious in your approach, as you don’t want to bring policymakers to tears or have them feel that the
problem is insurmountable. But the right emotional connection can bring them to understand the real life
consequences of inaction or action regarding the issue for which you are advocating.
Focus on one person or family: While it is extremely important to educate legislators as to what registered
dietitian nutritionists do, remember to focus on the impact of your work and not just a description of your
work. Telling a story of an individual, family or even a community that you have helped and how you helped,
allows policymakers to better understand the on-the-ground impact of the work of registered dietitian
nutritionists.
Justify their involvement: The stories you tell should clearly connect with your “ask” and should convey how
the policymaker’s action will lead to concrete improvement to the lives of their constituents and within their
community.
27
Closing the Loop by Reporting on Your Activity
Thank you for your advocacy efforts. As policy leaders, it is important for you to share your successes
with the Academy’s PIA team. To report on your efforts, use the Legislative Meeting Tracking form in
the Grassroots Advocacy Guidebook Appendix. Submit the completed form to the Director, Grassroots
Advocacy.
Let others know about your advocacy work! Share your experiences about what worked most
effectively and what points seemed to be most convincing. Send your pictures and success stories so
that we can share our successes with other member leaders.
28
Academy Staff Contacts
VP of Policy Initiatives & Advocacy
VP of Strategic Policy & Partnership
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Director, Grassroots Advocacy
Director, Nutrition Informatics
Director, Nutrition Service Coverage
Director, USDA Legislation and Policy
Director, HHS Legislation and Policy
Administrative Assistant
Office Administrator
Jeanne Blankenship, MS, RDN
Mary Pat Raimondi, MS, RDN
Pepin Tuma, Esq.
Teresa Nece, MS, RDN, LD, SNS
Lindsey Hoggle, MS, RDN, PMP
Marsha Schofield, MS, RD, LD, FAND
Jennifer Folliard, MPH, RD
Stefanie Winston, JD, MPH
Paulina Weeden
Denielle Green, MS
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
1120 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 480
Washington, D.C. 20036
800/877-0877
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
29
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Appendix
Appendix .................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Public Policy Matrix and Position Descriptions ..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Public Policy Resources ............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Common Legislative Terms .......................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Federal Agency Acronyms ........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Acronyms ..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Success in Advocacy .................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Tips for Contacting your Member of Congress ...........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
How to Engage Your Member of Congress ................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Legislative Meeting Tracking Form............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Request for ANDPAC Contribution Form ...................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
i
Public Policy Matrix and Position Descriptions
Background:
The Legislative and Public Policy Committee (LPPC) provides oversight for the legislative and public policy activities
of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. There has been significant progress in the development of the public
policy panel (PPP) over the past several years as the Academy has strived to further develop its grassroots in the
affiliates. The LPPC’s role in providing oversight requires collaboration with the Policy Initiatives and Advocacy staff
(PIA) in defining, executing and measuring the work of the PPP. The LPPC offers this matrix as a first step that
ensures all organizational units and committees have a clear understanding of the PPP as it relates to policy and
advocacy efforts. It is noted that the Reimbursement Representatives fall under the jurisdiction of the Nutrition
Services Coverage Team (NSC).
Overview:
The matrix describes the various positions that are integral to the PPP. Each affiliate may choose to include
additional members on the panel. The affiliate president elect is not included on the matrix, but assists the affiliate
president with oversight of the PPP. Positions included:
 Affiliate President (AP)
 Public Policy Coordinator (PPC)
 State Policy Representative (SPR)
 State Regulatory Specialist (SRS)
 Consumer Protection Coordinator (CPC)
 Reimbursement Representative (RR)
 Delegate – Affiliate
 Delegate – DPG
 DPG Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL)
The matrix includes information on the following areas relative to the positions:
 Description
 Key relationships (including external stakeholders)
 Staff Liaison
Reporting
Integral to the success of policy and advocacy is the need for frequent communication between the affiliates and
DPGs. The LPPC is working to develop a quarterly report that will be completed electronically and will allow for
data to be reported to the HOD and BOD. The reports would include a review and update on affiliate activities and
progress toward written goals. In addition, a mechanism for providing feedback on the system and resources
provided to the PPP would be included.
Review:
The matrix will be implemented and evaluated annually.
ii
Public Policy Matrix
Affiliate
President
(AP)
Public Policy
Coordinator
(PPC)
State Policy
Representative
(SPR)
State
Regulatory
Specialist
(SRS)
Consumer
Protection
Coordinator
(CPC)
Reimbursement
Representative
(RR)
Delegate Affiliate
CONTENT EXPERTS
Delegate DPG Policy and
DPG
Advocacy
Leader (PAL)
Description
• Serves as link
between the
affiliate board
and PPP
• Provides
leadership and
guidance to
PPC and PPP
• Serves as
federal
legislative
connection with
Academy PIA,
meets with
members of
Congress and
reports back to
PIA, affiliate
board and PPP
•Coordinates
federal
legislative
activities and
affiliate PPP
• Serves as
monitor of state
legislative issues,
meets with state
legislators and
reports to PPP
and affiliate board
•Coordinated
affiliate state
legislative
activities and
advocacy efforts
• Serves as
monitor of state
regulatory
initiatives,
identifies
comment
opportunities,
meets with
regulatory
agencies and
reports to PPP
and affiliate
board
• Serves as the
monitor of
consumer
protection issues
and state
licensure issues,
certification or
regulatory
boards and
reports to PPP
and affiliate
board
• Serves as
coordinator of
local advocacy
efforts to expand
state nutrition
coverage policies,
reports to PPP
and affiliate board
• Serves as the
affiliate voice in
HOD and
ensures
alignment of
public policy
activities with
Academy
legislative
priorities
• Serves as
the DPG
voice in HOD
and ensures
alignment of
DPG policy
activities with
Academy
legislative
priorities
• Serves as the
DPG link with PIA
and provides
expert content to
PIA for advocacy
efforts, messaging
and regulatory
comments
Key
Relationships
•Affiliate
board, PPP and
affiliate leaders
• Governor
•US Senators
and
Representative
s
•State
Legislators
Director,
Grassroots
Advocacy
•Affiliate board,
PPP and affiliate
leaders
• US Senators
•US
Representatives
• PPP and affiliate
leaders
•Governor
•State Legislators
• PPP and
affiliate leaders
•Regulatory
Board
•State Agencies
• PPP and
affiliate leaders
•Regulatory
Board
•State Agency
• PPP and affiliate
leaders
•State Insurance
Commissioner
• Third party
payers
• Medicare
Administrative
Contractors
•Affiliate
board, PPP and
affiliate leaders
•Academy
House
Leadership
Team
•DPG
Executive
Committee
•DPG PAL
and PPP
leaders
•DPG Executive
Committee
•DPG PPP leaders,
chair and
delegate
Director,
Grassroots
Advocacy
Director,
Grassroots
Advocacy
Director,
Regulatory
Affairs
Director,
Consumer
Protection and
Licensure
Manager,
Advocacy and
Communications
Director, HOD
Governance
(Affiliate
Relations
Managers
communicate
with Director)
Director,
HOD
Governance
(DPG
Relations
Managers
communicate
with Director)
Managers, DPG
Relations
Staff Liaison
iii
Public Policy Coordinator
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
Affiliate President
Position Duration:
3-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose:
This position is envisioned to be an integral part of the affiliate public policy panel responsible for coordinating
federal legislative activities and affiliate public policy panel (PPP). This position serves as federal legislative
connection with Academy PIA, meets with members of Congress and reports back to PIA, affiliate board and PPP
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Serve as lead on federal policy (issues, updates, trainings) as part of your affiliate’s Public Policy Panel;
2. Serve as the primary information-sharing conduit between the PIA staff in Washington, DC and your
affiliate members;
3. Be informed and keep up-to-date with federal legislative issues that concern the Academy’s policy
priorities and long-term goals;
4. Assist members with developing constituent relationships with members of Congress and their staff
within the affiliate. These relationships will allow you to promote the Academy’s food and nutrition
efforts at the grassroots level;
5. Lead efforts to collect and present advocacy materials for grassroots purposes, e.g., meeting with a
member of Congress in district;
6. Serve as affiliate leader on engaging members in various grassroots activities such as: action alerts, PAC
events, attending town hall meetings, etc.
7. Lead affiliate’s efforts during the Public Policy Workshop which includes: setting up all meetings on
Capitol Hill leading up to PPW, leading your Affiliate “table” at PPW and promoting PPW in your state;
8. Keep affiliate board informed of current federal issues;
9. Participate in Academy public policy issues meetings, webinars and open forums;
10. As a member of the affiliate public policy panel, communicate with the panel on federal legislative
issues;
11. Develop a public policy plan of work with the public policy panel;
12. Monitors action alert metrics and identifies strategies to increase member participation;
13. Serve as a resource for the affiliate on the federal issues;
14. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s public policy messaging and communications;
15. Performs other duties as assigned.
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Submits reports to public policy panel and affiliate board (as needed);
2. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed);
3. Submits reports to PIA staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations;
iv
4. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
Time Spent In Activities:
About 8-10 hours per month in addition to meetings, with additional time during the in-district work periods
for members of Congress and the Public Policy Workshop (PPW).
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 Current federal issues and reports
 Public Policy Panel meeting minutes and reports
v
State Policy Representative
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
Affiliate President
Position Duration:
3-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose:
This position is envisioned to be an integral part of the affiliate public policy panel responsible for coordinating
affiliate state legislative activities and advocacy efforts. This position also monitors state legislative issues and
coordinates meetings with state legislators and the Governor.
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Assist with development of affiliate public policy plan of work;
2. Track state legislative issues of importance to members and oversee the affiliate's response to emerging
opportunities and issues;
3. Engage with appropriate leaders – including DPG representatives in the state – to manage practice
matters. Affiliates may want to delegate responsibility for specific policy issues to individuals with
expert knowledge or interest to lead affiliate action in a particular effort;
4. Coordinate appointments with the Governor’s office, state legislators and other public officials to raise
the profile of the association;
5. Serve as the Chair of State Legislative Day organizing committee. Work with the committee to organize
the event and meetings with state legislators;
6. Coordinate with the Public Policy Coordinator and the State Regulatory Specialist on policy issues to
assure that the affiliate stance is consistent with Academy's;
7. Serve on the Affiliate Public Policy Panel in a substantive role. Act as a liaison with the Academy’s
Director of Grassroots Advocacy to collaboratively consider the affiliate’s response to emerging
opportunities and policies;
8. Identify state legislators who serve on committees with jurisdiction on issues impacting food, nutrition
and health legislation;
a. Make appointments with legislators when you are not asking for a specific vote or favor. Be
sure your meetings include one or more constituents of the legislator.
b. Become a resource on issues on their food, nutrition and health agenda.
c. Watch the news for issues they care about and let them know your knowledge of and interest in
these issues.
9. Assist affiliate members in making appointments with any of the state’s legislators in their district or
state capitol.
10. Pay attention to the personal connections of your affiliate leaders and train your members to develop
and maintain relationships with state legislators.
11. Serve as a resource for the affiliate on the state legislative issues;
12. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s public policy messaging and communications;
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
vi
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Submits reports to public policy panel and affiliate board (as needed);
2. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed);
3. Submits reports to PIA staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations;
4. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
Time Spent In Activities:
About 8-10 hours per month in addition to meetings, with additional time during the state legislature’s
session and state legislative day
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 Current state issues and reports
 Public Policy Panel meeting minutes and reports
vii
State Regulatory Specialist
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
Affiliate President
Position Duration:
3-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose:
This position is envisioned to be an integral part of the affiliate public policy panel responsible for monitor of
state regulatory initiatives, identifies comment opportunities, meets with regulatory agencies and reports to
public policy panel.
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Tracking state regulatory issues of importance to Registered Dietitian Nutritionists and overseeing the
affiliate's response to emerging opportunities and challenges.
2. Tracking and initiating work with the state agencies managed by the governor. The SRS would initiate
meetings with state agency officials to promote access to the RDN, DTR and nutrition services in state
regulatory and programmatic initiatives.
3. Ensuring that the affiliate has an up-to-date compendium of current statutes and rules that impact
dietetics practice, including scope of practice, facility and program requirements and any other
document that defines the requirements and responsibilities for dietitians in your state.
4. Supporting members who connect with local contacts, including school systems, local Boards of Health
and similar groups with Academy stances and affiliate materials.
5. Coordinating with the Public Policy Coordinator and the State Policy Representative on issues to assure
that the affiliate stance is consistent with Academy’s.
6. Ensuring that the affiliate’s state agency and regulatory work is consistent with the three priority goals
established annually by the Public Policy Panel.
7. Identifying other decision-makers within state agencies whose work will impact the affiliate’s goals,
particularly those that relate to access to RDNs, DTRs and nutrition services and programs.
8. Consult with the Academy’s PIA and the Legislative and Public Policy Committee to coordinate
Academy’s stances and positions on emerging regulatory issues in the states.
9. Serve as a resource for the affiliate on the state legislative issues;
10. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s public policy messaging and communications;
11. Performs other duties as assigned.
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Submits reports to public policy panel and affiliate board (as needed);
2. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed);
3. Submits reports to PIA staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations;
4. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
viii
Time Spent In Activities:
About 8-10 hours per month in addition to meetings, with additional time during the state legislature’s
session and state legislative day
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 Current state regulatory issues and reports
 Public Policy Panel meeting minutes and reports
ix
Consumer Protection Coordinator
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
Affiliate President
Position Duration:
3-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose:
This position is envisioned to be an integral part of the affiliate public policy panel responsible for keeping the
affiliate informed about consumer protection issues and monitoring the activities of state licensure, certification
or regulatory boards.
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Monitor consumer protection issues and their impact on the affiliate’s licensure statute and related
issues, in collaboration with the State Policy Representative and the State Regulatory Specialist, through
state regulatory action reports and other resources;
2. Keep affiliate board informed of current consumer protection issues in the state, including licensure
board activities and licensure sunset dates (the proposed date for the expiration of the current statute
and the development of the revised statute);
3. For licensure statutes that are scheduled for sunset, lead the affiliate plan for effective strategies on the
sunset preparation;
4. Participate in Academy consumer protection issues meetings, webinars and licensure forum calls;
5. As a member of the affiliate public policy panel, communicate with the panel on consumer protection
and licensure issues impacting the profession;
6. Develop a plan to assure that dietitians and consumers know how to and can easily report statute
violations as well as success and effectiveness stories of RDNs;
7. Monitor frequency of licensure board meetings, attend the licensure board meetings and monitor RDN
licensure board member attendance;
8. Monitor the status of RDN licensure board terms of office;
9. Monitor the overall licensure board structure with regard to professional representation roles;
10. Assist affiliate board with recommendations to the governor for appointments to the licensure board;
11. Assist affiliate board with confirming governor’s action on appointment of RDN licensure board
members;
12. Serve as a resource for the affiliate on the state dietetics licensure/certification statute and regulations;
13. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s consumer protection and licensure messaging and
communications;
14. Provide testimony when necessary on behalf of the affiliate at licensure related public hearings;
15. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s public policy messaging and communications;
16. Performs other duties as assigned.
x
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Submits reports to public policy panel and affiliate board as needed;
2. Provides input for sunset preparation at least 18 months prior to sunset;
3. Provides affiliate board with status on licensure board terms of office approximately one year prior to
term expirations;
4. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed);
5. Submits reports to PIA staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations;
6. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
Time Spent In Activities:
About 8-10 hours per month in addition to meetings, with additional time during the Consumer Protection
and Licensure Summit and the Public Policy Workshop (PPW).
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 Current licensure statute and regulations
 Licensure board meeting minutes and reports
xi
Reimbursement Representative
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
Affiliate President
Position Duration:
2-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose:
This position is envisioned to be an integral part of the affiliate public policy panel responsible for and serves as
a local resource for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members who have questions about coding and
coverage issues. They help facilitate use of the Academy’s coding and coverage resources and coordinate local
advocacy efforts to expand federal and state nutrition coverage policies.
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Communicate with the affiliate/DPG executive committee and public policy panel on topics including
Medicare, Medicaid and private sector coverage.
2. Share MNT coverage and Medicare Part B MNT benefit information with local members via phone or
email communications and through presentations.
3. Direct members to federal, state and private insurance coding and coverage resources (through
affiliate/DPG and Academy web pages).
4. Participate in the Academy’s health care reform education and training.
5. Support coding and coverage issues on the local level; initiate or help to advance members’ coverage
activities with third party payers or other decision makers; initiate activities to advance integration of
RDNs into alternate health care delivery and payment models
6. Encourage members to track MNT outcomes data, which is critical for impacting coverage decisions.
7. Assist with member “Calls to Action” with the affiliate Public Policy Panel and participate in Academy
coding surveys and activities.
8. Collect information on nutrition services coverage in state benchmark plan.
9. Assist with the dissemination of the Academy’s public policy messaging and communications;
10. Performs other duties as assigned.
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Submits reports to public policy panel and affiliate board or DPG/MIG executive committee (as needed);
2. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed);
3. Submits reports to NSC staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations;
4. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
Time Spent In Activities:
About 4-10 hours per month in addition to meetings
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 Current nutrition services coverage issues and reports
 Public Policy Panel meeting minutes and reports
xii
DPG/MIG Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL)
Position Description
Elected or Appointed:
Appointed
Reporting Relationship:
DPG/MIG Chair
Position Duration:
3-year term (recommended), with possibility of reappointment for an additional 3
year term
Effective Date:
June 1 – May 31
Corresponding Policy:
P-5 DPG/MIG Involvement with Legislation and Public Policy Issues
Voting/Non-voting:
Non-voting
Position Purpose: The Policy and Advocacy Leader (PAL) plans and organizes the policy and advocacy activities
for the DPG/MIG. The PAL stays current with public policy news and developments and disseminates
information to the Executive Committee and DPG/MIG members. The PAL serves as the primary contact with
the PIA staff.
Responsibilities of the position:
1. Serves as the DPG/MIG contact person with the Academy’s Policy Initiatives and Advocacy team (PIA). The
PAL receives the following information from the Academy:
a. Public Policy Weekly News Updates (weekly)
b. Eat Right Weekly (weekly)
c. Public Policy Priority Areas
d. Issue briefs and approved messaging for legislative and regulatory issue
e. Periodic Action Alert Requests
f. Academy’s Political Action Committee (ANDPAC) information
g. Other general legislative and regulatory information as it occurs
2. Identifies and recruits DPG/MIG members with expertise on relevant issues to serve as content experts for
public policy initiatives as requested. May also be asked to identify professionals outside of the dietetics
profession with expertise relevant to the public policy priority areas of the Academy.
3. Communicates DPG/MIG public policy goals annually to PIA staff through the development of a public policy
plan of work or other document that outlines the regulatory, legislative and other public policy goals of the
DPG/MIG.
4. Meets with PIA staff to collaborate on the public policy priority areas as requested by either the DPG/MIG or
PIA staff. Meetings can be held at Academy meetings or events or scheduled as stand-alone meetings as
deemed appropriate by either the DPG/MIG or PIA staff.
5. Promotes and participates in Academy action alerts and engages DPG/MIG members in grassroots advocacy
efforts. The PAL should tailor communications to DPG/MIG members as appropriate to demonstrate how
the issue is relative to the DPG/MIG policy goals or practice areas.
6. Submits DPG/MIG’s recommendations for Academy public policy initiatives including regulatory comments,
stance or position development and review and legislation language development and review.
a. The PAL will be responsible for communicating with members of the DPG/MIG to solicit input,
data, sources of data and technical expertise on legislative and regulatory issues as needed.
xiii
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
b. The PAL will submit the collective information and consensus of the majority of DPG/MIG
members to PIA staff for each public policy issue as requested.
Communicates with DPG/MIG members and committees to elicit timely response to legislative and
regulatory issues.
Keeps Executive Committee (EC) and members informed about legislative and regulatory issues via
newsletters and other communication pathways including posting the information to DPG/MIG’s website or
electronic mailing list or through email blasts.
Encourages members to become involved in legislative and public policy issues.
Encourages DPG/MIG members to work closely with state public policy panel leaders on regulatory and
legislative issues, especially when a strong grassroots effort is needed.
Networks with other organizations with similar legislative/outcomes interests.
Assists in projects, contributes to publications, responds to questions and reviews reports as requested.
Attends spring Public Policy Workshop (PPW) in Washington, D.C., (fully funded as DPG/MIG budget allows.)
Communicates with members of DPG/MIG during PPW by posting approved meeting summaries and
messaging.
Attends FNCE® and related DPG/MIG meetings and events (fully funded as DPG/MIG budget allows.)
Attends annual EC strategic planning meeting/retreat as scheduled (fully funded as DPG/MIG budget
allows).
Participates in EC conference calls as scheduled.
Performs other duties as requested.
Reports and Deadlines:
1. Updates position description, policies and procedures (as needed).
2. Submits reports to PIA staff in a timely manner and includes future recommendations.
3. Recommends edits to DPG/MIG Program of Work (POW) for coming year and sends to Chair-elect for
coordination (Early January).
4. Keeps records for at least 3 years and passes records to successor.
5. Submits content for Annual Report to past-chair in June for previous year.
Time Spent in Activities:
 8-10 hours per month in addition to meetings, with increased activity in the fall and spring.
Materials to Be Passed On to Successor:
 DPG/MIG position description
 DPG/MIG Policies and Procedures, as appropriate
 DPG/MIG Guiding Principles, as appropriate
 Legislative newsletters from various organizations
 Pertinent correspondence and files
xiv
Public Policy Resources
Academy Resources
1. Grassroots Advocacy Guidebook
The guidebook provides an overview of each public policy panel position and tools useful to the public policy
panel.
2. CQ State Track
The Academy provides this customizable state service so that member leaders can be up-to-date on state
legislative and regulatory issues that affect affiliate members. This resource is available on the Academy’s
advocacy website. www.eatright.org/advocacy
3. Academy Advocacy Website
Our Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Web site provides updates on current policy activities.
www.eatright.org/advocacy
4. Health Care Reform Website
This website provides resources specific to health care reform so that your Public Policy Panel can help make a
difference for public health in your state! http://www.eatright.org/healthcarereform/
5. Eat Right Weekly
Published electronically every Wednesday afternoon, this communication provides a summary of current
government actions and activities across the nation that affects Academy members. All members receive a copy.
6. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Each month there is an article about a current public policy issue. Look for it in the Public Policy News pages.
Academy members have free access to the online database by logging onto the Academy website at
www.eatright.org and accessing the Journal website via the Member Center. Search for “public policy” to find
articles relevant to your needs.
7. Academy Policy Initiatives and Advocacy Team in Washington, D.C.
Contact the Washington staff at 800/877-0877 with questions and ideas.
Federal Resources
8. Library of Congress Website
Congress.gov is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information. The site provides access to accurate,
timely and complete legislative information for Members of Congress, legislative agencies and the public. It is
presented by the Library of Congress (LOC) using data from the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of
Representatives, the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, the Government Printing Office, Congressional Budget
Office and the LOC's Congressional Research Service. Congress.gov is usually updated the morning after a
session adjourns. http://beta.congress.gov
xv
State Resources
9. State legislature Website
Each state has a website for its state legislative body. It is a resource for contact information for your state
legislators and additional content. Search online to find your state legislature’s home page. You can also try
http://www.ncsl.org/public/leglinks.cfm.
10. State Medicaid Office Website
Find the website for your state Medicaid office to utilize their resources and program data. The National
Association of State Medicaid Directors also keeps an updated list of state Medicaid Directors at
www.nasmd.org/about/NASMD_Member_List.rtf.
11. Council of State Governments
This organization provides state officials in all three branches of government with the tools and strategies needed
to implement effective policies and programs. They also work to build partnerships between governing entities
and promote multi-state and regional cooperative ventures. http://www.csg.org/
12. State Administrative Register
Each state publishes a register listing regulatory actions and requests for comments so you can get involved in
current state activities. In most states, it is a free, electronic publication; although, some states may publish only
in paper form. Search your state government website to subscribe to this publication. You can access the URL for
your state register at http://www.eatright.org/Members/content.aspx?id=884.
National Organizations
13. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
NCSL tracks trends and current events in state legislatures. They provide issue briefs and a national perspective
on the work of each state legislature. Content from NCSL is a resource for tracking an issue in the state
legislature, ideas on what other states are doing and provide a national perspective on current policy initiatives.
www.ncsl.org
14. The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD)
FPCD is a national coalition of which the Academy is a member. Several Academy affiliates have engaged in
PFCD’s state outreach programs. On the PFCD website, click on “Get Resources” for research and information on
preventing chronic disease. Click on “In the Field” to see what PFCD is doing in your state.
http://www.fightchronicdisease.org/
15. National Association of Counties
This is the only national organization representing county governments. It provides legislative, research, technical
and public affairs assistance to county governments to support their programs and policies at the local level.
http://www.naco.org/
xvi
Health Data Research
16. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
Use this resource for data on a particular health issue. Compare your state’s data to national figures and track
issues over time. www.kff.org
17. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
This link takes you to RWJF’s “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America 2012.” It provides detailed
analysis and statistics on a topic that is a national priority. http://healthyamericans.org/report/100/
18. County Health Rankings
This database provides health data on every county in the country, including obesity rate, smoking rate,
morbidity and mortality rates, education levels, grocery store density and alcohol store density.
www.countyhealthrankings.org
19. USDA Food Environment Atlas
This interactive website provides county and state data on food accessibility, participation in food assistance
programs, food insecurity, local foods and diabetes rates. http://www.ers.usda.gov/foodatlas
20. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides statistics and research on numerous health issues. Its website is an excellent and trusted
resource for current data on the nation’s health. www.cdc.gov
xvii
Common Legislative Terms
Act
A bill passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.
Amendment
Formal proposal to change the language of a bill after it has been introduced.
Appropriation Bill
Provides funding for government agencies and programs.
Authorization bill
Establishes or continues a Federal agency or program, establishes conditions under which the program operates
and authorizes or approves funding. An authorization bill does not provide the actual funding, which is done in
the appropriations bill (above).
Bicameral
Two chambers/houses in a legislative body (as in the House of Representatives and the Senate comprising the
U.S. Congress).
Bill
A proposed law introduced during a session for consideration by the legislature and identified numerically in
order of presentation. Bills that begin with “HR” or iginate in the House and bills that begin with “S” originate in
the Senate. Ex: HR853.
Budget
Submitted to Congress by the President, usually in January for the Fiscal Year beginning the following October.
These are recommendations by the President about how to fund federal spending; they do not have the force of
law.
Budget Resolution
A resolution of the House and Senate that sets spending and revenue limits for the upcoming fiscal year. It does
not require presidential approval.
Co-Sponsor
Representatives or Senators who formally sign on to a measure. Any member of either house may add his or
her name to a bill, indicating strong support for the proposal.
Committee
Both the House and Senate have a number of standing committees with specific purview over policy issues.
Each committee and every subcommittee is composed of members from both parties.
Companion Bill
An identical bill introduced in the other house of Congress.
xviii
Conference Committee
A committee composed of both Representatives and Senators that resolves differences between a bill that has
passed both the House and Senate but with different provisions. Both House and Senate must approve the final
conference committee version prior to being sent to the President for approval.
Congress
Refers to both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate; e.g., Congress meets in the Capitol
building in Washington, D.C.
Fiscal Year
The twelve-month period on which the budget is planned. The federal fiscal year begins October 1 and ends
September 30 of the following year.
Germane
Refers to whether an amendment is relevant to the subject matter already being considered in a bill. The Rules
of the House prohibit non-germane amendments while the Senate Rules generally, but not always, permit nongermane amendments.
The Floor
Refers to the floor of the House Chamber or the Senate Chamber where representatives and senators go to
vote, debate bills and make speeches. The floor has very restricted access.
Hearing
A committee meeting convened for the purpose of gathering information on a specific subject or considering
specific legislative measures.
Majority
Refers to the Majority Party, the political party that has the most members in the House or the Senate.
Mark-Up
A committee meeting in which members offer amendments to a bill.
Minority
Refers to the Minority Party, the political party that has less than 50% of the membership in the House or the
Senate.
Override
An effort by Congress to reverse a Presidential veto. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House
and the Senate.
Quorum
A simple majority of the members of a full committee or the full House or Senate. A quorum is needed to begin
conducting official business.
Regulations
The interpretation and implementation of laws. Regulations are written by the departments and agencies that
implement the laws in order to clarify the legislation and put it into practice. Exactly how legislation plays out in
practice is determined by the regulations that accompany it.
xix
Session
Each two-year Congress is broken down into two sessions, the 1st Session is held in odd-numbered years and the
2nd Session is held during even-numbered years.
Sponsor
The legislator who introduced a piece of legislation and advocates its passage.
Veto
The act of the President disapproving a measure. The President’s veto may be overturned if 2/3rds of both the
House and Senate vote to override the veto.
xx
Federal Agency Acronyms
AHRQ
AoA
ATTTB
CBO
CDC
CFSAN
CMS
CNPP
CR
EPA
ERS
FAO
FDA
FEC
FNB
FNS
FSIS
GAO
HAB
HELP
HHS
HRSA
IHS
IOM
MCHB
NAS
NCHS
NIH
OMB
PHS
USDA
USPTF
WHO
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (part of HHS)
Administration on Aging
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (part of US Department of Treasury)
Congressional Budget Office
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (part of HHS)
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (part of FDA)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (part of HHS)
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (part of USDA)
Continuing Resolution (mechanism for temporarily funding government)
Environmental Protection Agency
Economic Research Service (part of USDA)
Food and Agricultural Organization (part of the United Nations)
Food and Drug Administration
Federal Election Commission
Food and Nutrition Board (part of IOM)
Food and Nutrition Service (part of USDA)
Food Safety and Inspection Service (part of USDA)
Government Accountability Office
HIV/AIDS Bureau (in HRSA)
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration (part of HHS)
Indian Health Service (part of HHS)
Institute of Medicine (part of NAS)
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (in HRSA)
National Academy of Sciences
National Center for Health Statistics (part of CDC)
National Institutes of Health (part of HHS)
Office of Management and Budget (part of the White House)
Public Health Service
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Preventive Services Task Force (part of AHRQ)
World Health Organization (part of the United Nations)
xxi
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Acronyms
Academy
ANDPAC
AP
BOD
CPC
DPG
EAL
FNCE®
HOD
LPPC
MNT
NCS
PAL
PIA
PPC
PPP
PPW
RR
SPR
SRS
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Political Action Committee
Affiliate President
Board of Directors
Consumer Protection and Licensure Coordinator
Dietetic Practice Group
Evidence Analysis Library
Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo®
House of Delegates
Legislative and Public Policy Committee
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Nutrition Services Coverage
Policy and Advocacy Leader
Policy Initiatives and Advocacy
Public Policy Coordinator
Public Policy Panel
Public Policy Workshop
Reimbursement Representative
State Policy Representative
State Reimbursement Representative
xxii
Success in Advocacy
Tips for Gaining Political Influence
 Get to know legislators and agency regulatory officials well: their districts and constituencies, voting
records, personal schedules, opinions, expertise and interests. Be sure to have a good understanding of
the legislator and his/her concerns, priorities and perspectives.
 Acquaint yourself with staff members for legislators, committees and agency officials with whom you
will be working. These people are essential sources of information and have significant influence in the
development of policy.
 Acquaint yourself with staff members in the district as well. They can be a huge benefit and are usually
the staffers you will see at district events such as: town halls, campaign events, public speaking
engagements.
 Identify fellow advocates and partners to better understand the process, monitor legislation and assess
strengths and weaknesses. Finding common ground on an issue sometimes brings together strange
bedfellows but makes for a stronger coalition.
 Identify groups and legislators with whom you may need to negotiate for changes in legislation. Do not
dismiss anyone because of previous disagreements or because you lack a history of working together.
“Yesterday’s opponent may be today’s ally.”
 Foster and strengthen relationships with allies and work with legislators who are flexible and tend to
keep an open mind.
 Be honest, straightforward and realistic when working with legislators and their staff. Only make
promises you can keep. Avoid misleading a legislator about the importance of an issue, the opposition’s
position or strength or other matters.
 Do not be afraid to say “I do not know” when asked a question, just remember to promptly follow up
with the requested information.
 Be polite, remember names and thank those who help you, both in the legislature and in the public
health advocacy community.
 Learn the legislative process and understand it well. Keep on top of the issues and be aware of
controversial and contentious areas. Understand the budget process as much as you can. (Know what
departments and agencies hold authority over the programs that you care about.)
 Be brief, clear, accurate, persuasive, timely, persistent, grateful and polite when presenting your
position and communicating what you need/want from the legislator or staff member.
 Be sure to follow up with legislators and their staff. If you offer your assistance or promise to provide
additional information, do so in a timely and professional manner. Be a reliable resource for them today
and in the future.
Meetings with Your Policymaker
 To arrange appointments with policymakers visit the official’s website or call his or her office to
determine his or her preferred process for scheduling meetings.
 Before you place a call, write down notes about the points you wish to make.
 Identify yourself by stating your name and that you are a registered dietitian nutritionist. If you are a
constituent, be sure to include that in your request.
 State that you are requesting a meeting and identify the topic for discussion.
 If the process includes a written request, make it complete and concise. Include three options for a
meeting date.
xxiii


If your affiliate has a strong relationship with the congressman/-woman, be sure to mention that when
you call.
Once the appointment has been scheduled, send a letter or make a phone call confirming the meeting
and identify who will be in attendance.
Speaking at a Public Meeting
 Determine the purpose and tone of the event. Research the background and position statements of the
official and/or organization sponsoring the public meeting and request the agenda and speaker
information in advance.
 It is important to consider the views of your agency official/legislator. Consider what you would want to
know in order to use this meeting to your benefit.
 What are the political and substantive benefits of your proposal? What do they need to learn about you
as a professional? What is the human side? How can they use this information to help the citizens of
your state?
 Prepare a few brief points that you intend to communicate.
 Use messages that demonstrate how registered dietitian nutritionists are essential in health-care reform
initiatives.
 Rehearsing your statement and/or question with colleagues in advance to ensure you are comfortable
and convincing.
 Try to ask your question early in the meeting when time is less of a factor. Use your question to frame
the brief comments you prepared in advance.
 Introduce yourself as a registered dietitian nutritionist or a dietetic technician, registered. If you are
representing your affiliate include information about the number of members you represent in your
affiliate.
 If deserved, commend the official for his or her work on health issues, particularly those related to
prevention.
 Leave a copy of your key message with the official and his or her staff, along with your contact
information.
 Be concise. Focus your message to a few sentences. Include the facts with information about t your role
as a dietitian and why your expertise is relevant.
 Be prepared for questions. If you don’t know the answer to a question, simply communicate that you
will research the information and follow up. Then, be sure to do so.
 Offer to be a resource for the policymaker and his or her staff. You have much to offer in areas of
mutual interest and your expertise can make their jobs easier!
 Be respectful and be a good listener by allowing the official to speak. Have a conversation and
productive dialogue.
 Be prepared to hear objections to your request. Find clever and respectful ways to say “Yes and….” or to
refocus the topic.
 Include a personal story. Present your request, bolstered by facts and an example from your experience
that includes the impact on real-life situations with people.
 Ask for a commitment. Closing the discussion with an anticipated response is effective. Remind them
that you are there for a specific reason.
xxiv
Sample Effective Messages
 “I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and I work in… and primarily focus on….” “I am passionate about
this program because…”
 “My background and expertise tell me that this is important because…” “We have done thorough
research and our profession is united on these issues.”
 “We have reviewed all of the cost implications and have provided that data for you.”
 “Some of the opposition you can expect on this issue include these main points (list the points and the
potential groups that would be opposed to your issue.)
 “Utilizing the registered dietitian nutritionist in this health care reform program will ensure optimum
success with preventive care.” (Show them how).
 “Similar measures have been enacted in other states with positive results.” (List them.) “We have met
with the opposition and have worked out a compromise.” Or: “We have attempted to work out a
compromise but the opposition is unwilling to meet/compromise.”
 Use messaging that relates your position back to the district or state. Talk about how the bill or
regulation will affect “x” amount of people in the congressman/woman’s district or state. Talk about
how much money would be saved in their district or state if policy “x” or bill “y” were implemented.
Follow Up
 Provide written material for your targeted messaging. Always include your contact information along
with information about your role as a registered dietitian nutritionist.
 Follow up with a thank-you note. In addition, if you met with staff or if staff was included in the meeting,
add a positive comment about their valued contribution.
xxv
Tips for Contacting your Member of Congress
The following tips should help guide you through the process of setting up meetings with members of Congress
in their district office. You can reach out to offices either by phone or email; however a phone contact may be
more effective first step. Below are sample phone and email requests. Remember to personalize your message
as each Congressional office is different.
Tips on how to make the request for a meeting
 You can find your Representative and your Senators at these links. Once you find the member of
Congress, the link will take you to their home page where you will be able to locate their district office
phone number.
 House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/representatives/
 Senate: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
 Call the office and ask for the scheduler. The scheduler may provide you an email address so that you
can send the details for the requested meeting.
 State your name, your purpose and describe why you and your colleagues would like to meet with the
member of Congress in his/her district office. A sample message script is provided below. If your
affiliate has had any contact or working relationship with the member of Congress, be sure to mention
it during the conversation or in the email. If you are a constituent, be sure to mention in the
introduction.
 Make sure to request a meeting with the member of Congress as well his/her district staff member.
The scheduler may not be able to guarantee that both will be in attendance, that’s okay.
 State that you are requesting a 15 to 20 minute meeting or “brief meeting”. State that you will be
bringing a group of registered dietitian nutritionists and/or dietetic technicians, registered from the
state/district with you to the meeting. Many offices will ask for the names of the individuals planning
to attend the meeting.
 The scheduler may ask for additional information, so be prepared. You may need to follow up with the
scheduler via email, with any requested materials on the issues. If you need additional information
from the Academy, contact the PIA staff in Washington, DC.
 Ask the scheduler for the name and email address of the scheduler and any key staff members who
may be attending the meeting. The scheduler may ask you to follow up with each staff member in
addition to setting up the meeting.
 When requesting meetings with the House of Representatives – remember to mention if you or
someone you know is from the Congress member’s district. A member is more likely to want to meet
with someone who is a constituent.
Sample Phone Script – with scheduler
Hello my name is _____________ and I’m a (Insert registered dietitian nutritionist or dietetic technician,
registered) from the Senator/Representative’s state. (if you are from the Representative’s district, mention that)
I would like to schedule a meeting with the Senator/Representative in August (insert dates if you have time
limitations). I would also like to meet his/her district staff at that meeting. I’m a member of the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics – and we’re the largest food and nutrition professional association in the country – with
over 75,000 members working to improve the health of Americans through food and nutrition.
During that time a number of registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians, registered, from the
Senator/representative’s state/district will be attending the meeting to talk about food and nutrition related
policy.
xxvi
I would like to schedule a meeting (mention that you’ll be bringing a group of registered dietitian nutritionists
and/or dietetic technicians, registered from the state/district with you) to discuss the Academy’s positions on a
number of important food and nutrition related issues. Is there a good time in August when we can meet?
Thank you.
Sample email
The scheduler may ask you to put your request in writing to him/her or one of the district staff. The following is
a sample email message,
Dear XXX,
My name is _________ and I am a (Insert registered dietitian nutritionist or dietetic technician, registered) from
the Senator/Representative’s home state (if you are from the district, mention that). I am a member of the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – the country’s largest food and nutrition professional association.
I would like to schedule a brief meeting with the Senator/Representative and the district staff. Our goal will be
to discuss our legislative priorities which aim to reduce health care costs and improve the health of American’s
through food and nutrition.
I know that the Senator/Representative cares deeply about improving the health of our country while lowering
costs to the system. We agree and so we would greatly appreciate the Senator/Representative’s time to discuss
how we as dietitians are working to accomplish these same goals every day. Please let me know when in August
would work best for the Senator/Representative and staff to meet with us. If you have any additional questions,
please let me know.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Insert your name, credentials
Insert affiliate position
Insert affiliate name
Additional notes:
If the scheduler asks you to identify the issues or transfers you to one of the district staff, you can indicate that
you will provide them additional information about the specific issues to be discussed prior to the meeting and
restate that you would like time to talk about the importance of these issues as they pertain to improving the
health of Americans through food and nutrition. You can also indicated the two key issues you would like to
discuss are e.g., the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and the Older Americans Act.
You may also be asked for the names of the individuals who will be attending the meeting. You can indicate that
you will provide that information prior to the meeting.
xxvii
How to Engage Your Member of Congress
Initial Contact
 Contacting your member is easy. Just go to their website and find the phone number to the
district office that is closest to you.
 Call the office and ask for the scheduler, you can ask to schedule a meeting over the phone or
ask for an email address to send a written request.
Making the “Ask”
 When requesting a meeting via email remember to be concise and to the point; members and
staff read thousands of emails and receive hundreds of requests so you want to make sure and
entice them with to-the-point messaging.
 Always make your messaging relevant to the district – If there’s one thing members like, it’s
serving their constituents and fixing problems in the district.
 Strength in numbers – If at all possible try and schedule a meeting with a group of registered
dietitian nutritionists or if you invite the member to your place of work try and have more than
one RDN present. Having more than one RDN provides emphasis to the meeting and
importance to the issues.
Time to Meet
 What to bring to the meeting
o You want to bring your leave-behind material for when the meeting/visit is finished.
o Don’t hesitate to bring along your talking points so you can point out relevant statistics
or data points on issues. And bring along any additional information you feel is relevant.
o Your positive attitude and passion for what you do. That’s what you want the member
to see.
 What to say in the meeting
o Familiarize yourself with the talking points on the various issues and always relate those
issues back to you and what you do.
o Have a personal and or professional story ready to tell, preferably one that relates to
one of the specific pieces of legislation. Personal stories from the workplace always
resonate more deeply than facts or figures. These members care about the people they
represent and so by telling a story about one of their constituents (your patients/clients)
you will be able to make a stronger connection from the member’s understanding of the
issue to the actual policy.
o Always share your story first and then follow it with the relevant facts and figures.
o Do not be afraid to say “I don’t know”. Nothing is worse than providing false
information to a member/staffer. Remember you want to be viewed as a reliable
source. Simply say “I’m not quite sure about that, but I can get you the answer later.”
Follow-up contact
xxviii



Always follow-up 1 to 2 days later with a thank-you email to the scheduler; or member (if you
have his/her email address).
Reiterate your messaging on the things that were discussed in the meeting/visit.
Make sure to state that you will be reaching out the member’s relevant staffer to answer any
question that the member may have had or to provide any supporting materials that were
requested.
xxix
Legislative Meeting Tracking Form
Legislative Meeting Tracking Form
(Complete the form with your report)
Meeting Date: Date of the meeting
Attendees:
Names of members who attended the meeting
Location:
District office address or professional site
Meeting location
Use this space to identify where the meeting was held, if the member of Congress came to visit you on
site briefly describe the location, why you invited the member to that specific location as well as brief
summary of the tour.
Topics discussed
Use this space to briefly outline the health nutrition topics or legislation you discussed.
Member feedback
Use this space to write down any questions that the member had or any additional follow up that may
be assisted by the PIA office.
Resources/Information provided
Use this space to indicate what materials were shared during the meeting.
Follow up
Use this space to describe any follow up that you may have scheduled or discussed with the member.
Is follow up required? Yes:_____
No:_____
Group Meeting
Individual Meeting
Return completed from to the Academy’s Director, Grassroots Advocacy.
xxx
Request for ANDPAC Contribution Form
Request for ANDPAC Contribution
(Note: All requests must include a fundraiser invitation or other supporting information)
Email the completed form to [email protected]
The only Political Action Committee broadly focused on food, nutrition and health.
If dietetics is your profession, policy should be your passion!
Name of Candidate or Member: __________________________________________________________
Type Race: (circle one) House/Senate Stage: (circle one): Primary/ General
State: ________________
District: (House only) _________ Party: Rep/Dem/Ind.
Name of Campaign (e.g. Smith for Congress):_______________________________________________
Campaign Point of Contact: _____________________________________________________________
Campaign Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Type of Event: _________________________________________________________________________
Cost of Event: _________________________________________________________________________
Date of the event: ______________________________________________________________________
Requestor Name/Affiliate: _______________________________________________________________
Member ID: __________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Public Policy Coordinator Name: ____________________________________________________
Public Policy Coordinator Approval (Signature): _______________________________________
Note: All requests must be communicated to the Affiliate Public Policy Coordinator prior to sending
your request to ANDPAC. To find your Affiliate Public Policy Coordinator, please visit the Academy
Leadership Directory or email ANDPAC at [email protected]
Please list the names of all members or staff who will attend this event:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
xxxi
Address that you want the check to be mailed to: (Enter “Same” if it is the same as the address above)
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Expected Outcome of this event:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
(For ANDPAC Office Use Only)
Amount Approved: ________________________
Check #:_________________________
xxxii
Approving Official: _________________________