July Is Advocacy Action Month for AUA Members!

This past year has been transformative on many levels. We have been forced to pivot in this pandemic, adeptly changing the way we do things–from the way we see patients to the way we manage our staffs, to the way we educate ourselves and conduct research. More than ever before, we must continue our vigilance, advocating and protecting the interests of urology. There has never been a more critical time to engage in the legislative process! July is Advocacy Action Month at the AUA, and members are invited–and encouraged–to take part in the array of free, virtual programs that will culminate with our keynote speaker and the 4th Annual Urology Advocacy (AUA) Summit on July 21.

How Do I Place Advocacy in Action This July?

EDUCATE: Educate yourself on the issues and policies affecting urology! Learn about the most pressing issues facing our specialty, from expanded access to telehealth services and medical liability reform, to workforce shortages and funding for urological research. The AUA Summit and other advocacy events in July will help educate you on the latest laws and regulations impacting you and your practice. You will also hear from the keynote speaker, Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and a world authority on the COVID-19 pandemic. A featured guest on MSNBC and CNN, Dr. Jha will bring his unique perspective in public health with the pandemic and how it is shaping public policy.

ENGAGE: Engage with the urology community, lawmakers and agencies on the issues affecting urology! On July 20, the Summit will feature a special virtual session to explore and examine this year’s Congressional “asks” (6 to 8 p.m. EDT), followed by a virtual Hill Day on July 21 where attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to share their voices and personal stories with those shaping laws and regulations.

EMPOWER: Empower yourself to make a difference! Urology is best served–and most powerful–with our voices united. Join in these virtual events to learn how you can put advocacy in action. Here are unique and powerful ways to get involved before the AUA Summit.

• Sign Up for AUA Grassroots Alerts. Phone2Action is a grassroots advocacy platform to connect you with your elected officials at the federal and state level through email, social media and phone–all with a single click! Visit www.AUAnet.org/ActNow to sign up and urge your colleagues to do the same.
• Spread the Word. Sharing news about AUA advocacy is one of the most important things you can do, whether you’re telling your friends about the AUA’s Political Action Committee, AUAPAC (www.myauapac.org), sharing grassroots alerts with colleagues or urging residents and fellows to sign up for free fireside chat webinars sponsored by the Policy & Advocacy Resident Workgroup.

IMPACT: Finally, use your voice and resources to make an impact! It works. Whether it’s meeting with legislators and key federal agencies on Hill Day, or supporting AUAPAC, your voice and support as physicians absolutely has a profound impact on the laws and regulations that impact you, your practice and your patients.

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has always been a priority of the AUA, but this past year has especially shown us that there is power in numbers, and advocacy for urology should be a priority as an AUA member.

I hope to see you join us in July throughout the month and experience advocacy in action, assuring the voice of urology is heard!