RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day is one week from today on Thursday, May 5th and there’s still time to sign up and participate. It might seem intimidating and overwhelming to head to our nation’s capitol to speak to legislators about our needs as a community, but it can be a powerful, incredible experience for those who participate. I’ll be heading down to D.C. Wednesday night to join RESOLVE in advocating on the Hill for infertility awareness a week from today. I’m a newbie to Advocacy Day too, so I wanted to share one woman’s story to show you that yes, someone just like you or me can participate in Advocacy Day, with no prior experience with legislators at all.
Folks, meet Susan. You may know her as Donor Diva:
She’s the proud mama to a darling boy, a fellow POF-er, and a blogger just like you and me who took the leap and participated in RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day in 2009. I asked Susan to talk about her experience with RESOLVE and to tell us what the day was like.
Why did you decide to participate in Advocacy Day?
My friend and I were both in the middle of our 2ww after our DE cycles. She suggested that we go down to DC for advocacy as a distraction. I live in Maryland so it was easy to get there.
How were you feeling about the day leading up to it?
I was most nervous about talking with the Congressman and Senators. I was most excited about helping the infertility community. There are so many people in the infertility community that helped me I wanted to help also. RESOLVE provides you with support beforehand. They did a conference call, had papers for you to read through, and did training the morning before meetings. As long as you do your prep you will be ready to go.
Tell us what the Advocacy Day itself was like.
My friends and I Metro-ed down to DC (we live in MD). When we arrived, we were greeted by many smiling faces. The first part of the morning was spent prepping us for our meetings and also hearing stories about peoples’ journeys through infertility.
For me, the meetings were in a great progression. It started off with a big group and my last meeting was just me and one other person. It gave me a chance to warm up and gradually feel more confident. It was very exhilarating to actually speak to the Aides and have them understand our position.
It was hard for me to stay calm since this was the first time for me to do something like this. What helped was knowing that I wasn’t the only one meeting with them. Also, you aren’t meeting with the actually congressman/women or senator you are meeting with their aid. Also, that we were doing this for a great cause. My proudest moment was talking with other participants of advocacy day.
At the end of the day, how did you feel?
Exhausted!
Any advice you would give to folks going to DC for the first time this year?
Prepare yourself and read EVERYTHING that RESOLVE provides you with. This way you will be confident in all of you meetings. If you are passionate about infertility then you should go. There were several states not represented when I went and the only way we are going to make change is by getting as many people as possible involved.
Thanks Susan, for sharing your story. I hope your positive experience will inspire others to follow in your footsteps and continue the grassroots advocacy work for the infertility community on Capitol Hill. I know it’s certainly made me very excited to take part a week from today!
Worried about making it down to DC? No problem! RESOLVE can prepare you to talk with your local legislators in your own home districts. I wanted to give a special shout-out to Whitney, who had an amazing experience this week meeting with legislators in her home state. Not only did she meet with her legislators, give them plenty of facts, but she actually got their support to co-sponsor a forthcoming infertility tax credit bill. Another real person, another blogger just like you and me – and she’s advocated in a huge way for our community.
It is especially critical for constituents from the following states to attend, as you would meet with key members of Congress who could help us in getting the infertility tax credit bill to succeed:
- California
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Washington
Have you participated in Advocacy Day before? Sound off in the comments and share your experience with us!
If you still have questions about the day and how you can participate, what to expect – even what to wear – check out the comprehensive Advocacy Day FAQ online.
Will you join me in DC this year for Advocacy Day?
Thanks for lovely shout-out! I can't wait to hear about everyone else's meetings. I'll be pulling for all of you on May 5th!
I participated a few years ago and it was an amazing experience.
At a time in my infertility process where I felt like I could do nothing right, I finally accomplished something. I no longer felt useless, I made my voice heard.
I had the chance to meet other volunteers and representatives and staff I never would have otherwise. Everyone I met with sincerely listened to what I had to say.
I was grateful to RESOLVE for helping me make appointments and for giving me the materials I needed.
It was a great experience and I urge everyone to do it, whether on a national level, or more close to home.
If we make ourselves heard, perhaps we can really make a difference.