Things to Do After the Election

The votes have been counted and Election Day has passed, however, ASHA members have an unprecedented opportunity to make their voice heard year round. Find out the multiple ways to stay involved in 2013 and beyond:

Learn About Our Agenda

Part of being an informed ASHA advocate includes learning about our annual Public Policy Agenda. While no one is expected to be an expert on ASHA's legislative issues, you are encouraged to read up on the issues and know how they affect you and your profession. This will help as you build relationships with your elected officials and speak up on behalf of your profession.

Introduce Yourself

Send a congratulatory letter to your newly elected officials. Introduce yourself and let them know you look forward to working with them on in your community and state. It's never too soon to begin building that relationship.

Build Relationships

After the election, make an appointment with the newly elected or re-elected officials to talk about the issues of concern to ASHA and the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Learn more about how to conduct a legislative visit and don't forget to take copies of The ASHA Leader to your meeting. Remember, you are the best messenger of ASHA's policy agenda.

Take Action

If you aren't already signed up as an e-advocate, sign up or tell a friend about your involvement in the ASHA grassroots network and encourage them to become an advocate as well. Anyone can be an advocate: professionals, their loved ones, and the people they serve are all equally valuable in advocating for the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.

Become a Grassroots Captain

Take your advocacy to the next level and become a Grassroots Captain. Captains serve as the primary contacts with their U.S. senators and representatives in order to establish valuable relationships and increase awareness of the issues that face speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Captains also help galvanize their speech-language pathology and audiology colleagues in federal advocacy initiatives. Become a Grassroots Captain today!

Contribute

ASHA's Political Action Committee (PAC) provides financial support to current and potential members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who recognize the importance of speech-language pathology and audiology services and demonstrate the right of all citizens to receive these services. Member contributions to the PAC are completely voluntary.

Stay Informed

ASHA has a variety of e-newsletters related to issues that impact your profession. Signing up is easy and free!