We are busy. Between clinical, academic, and personal demands, I know that advocacy may not be in the forefront of your mind. However, there is truth to the adage, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” Our voices, as constituents and urologists, are not only important, but imperative to a successful urologic advocacy. The AUA’s Advocacy teams build our organization’s policy initiatives on the foundation of our members’ concerns and ambitions. We recognize the hectic schedules of our members and we see firsthand the ways in which our physicians go above and beyond for their patients and practices on a day-to-day basis. Yet without our members’ voices throughout the advocacy process, the AUA’s ability to make an impact is limited. Here are 5 ways you can make a meaningful difference, regardless of how much time you can give.

If you have 30 seconds…

Sign up for our action alerts! The AUA regularly posts advocacy action updates on our Action Center page. Subscribe to these alerts to stay informed on real-time, active campaigns the AUA is advocating for and sponsoring on Capitol Hill. Additionally, you can utilize this platform to send prewritten messages to your lawmakers demonstrating your support.

If you have 5 minutes…

Please consider learning more about AUAPAC! AUAPAC proudly and transparently supports a broad list of federal candidates who understand and advocate for policy issues that impact urology. By regularly meeting with members of Congress and their staff members who serve on committees with jurisdiction on health care policy, AUAPAC demonstrates our tireless commitment to the priorities of the urologic community.

If you have 15 minutes…

Call your lawmakers and share your opinion with your elected official! As constituents and medical professionals, your perspective on health policy is highly valued by your representative or senators. You can contact your local officials too. To see what bills the AUA is tracking in your state, visit the State Advocacy webpage on AUAnet.org.

If you have a few hours…

Think about scheduling a district visit with your lawmaker! The Legislative and Political Affairs Department staff at the AUA are always available to help in scheduling or preparing for meetings with elected officials or their staff members. The power of personal anecdotes delivered in an in-person meeting—whether that be in a lawmaker’s office or at your own practice—is immeasurable.

If you have a few days…

Please join us in Washington, DC, for our 7th Annual Urology Advocacy Summit! This year’s event is February 26-28, 2024, at the JW Marriott. Previous attendees regularly praise the unique environment and energy of the AUA Summit and enjoy meeting directly with their federal lawmakers on Capitol Hill. If you have ever wanted to engage in advocacy, this is the event for you. We hope you will consider joining us to learn more about top advocacy priorities and then immediately use your voice on the Hill.