Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Ambassador Briefing July 10, PM Eastern Dial In: Participant Code: # Materials available for download at

Agenda Welcome – Laurie Markle Our Recess Strategy – Laurie Markle Expert Training - Maija Welton, HLA, Rep. Courtney (CT-2) July/August Ambassador Assignment: Schedule a District Visit or Attend a Local or Tele Town Hall – Laurie Markle Accessing the Materials and Resources you need – Laurie Markle How to Schedule a District Visit – Laurie Markle What to Expect: First Person Account of a District Visit - NY Arthritis Ambassador, Erin O'Rourke How to Find a Town Hall & How to Prepare - Lea Diggs, Public Health Policy & Advocacy Intern, Arthritis Foundation Reporting Your Activity – Laurie Markle 1

History of August Recess 1791: In Congress’ 2 nd Session, they take a break from the heat of summer 1960’s: President Johnson has Congress working overtime for the Vietnam War and his Great Society Initiatives 1970: Congress Passes the Legislative Reorganization Act to make August Recess official 2013: August Recess runs from August 5 – September 6 2

Our Recess Strategy 3 CosponsorsAwareness Pass HR 1827 We must capture as many cosponsors as possible during August Recess to ensure this legislation passes!

Our Recess Strategy 3 Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee: AF Scheduling Visits for Ambassadors Other Representatives: Ambassadors Scheduling Visits Other Representatives: Ambassadors Attending Town Hall Meetings

Expert Training On the phone: Maija Welton, Health Legislative Assistant to Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02) 4

July/August Ambassador Assignment Pick One Schedule & Attend a District Visit with your Representative Attend a Town Hall or Tele Town Hall hosted by your Representative 4

Resources & Materials 4

4 Instructions Sample to a District Scheduler Meeting Talking Points HR 1827 Issue Brief Children with JA by state Map demonstrating the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists in America District Visit Toolkit Instructions Do and Don’t Town Hall Guide A Question to Ask while at the Town Hall HR 1827 Issue Brief Children with JA by state Map demonstrating the shortage of pediatric rheumatologists in America Town Hall Toolkit

How to Schedule a District Visit your local office and politely request contact information for the district scheduler. Call Using the draft letter in the toolkit, your district scheduler. Politely reach out each week until you receive a response. Follow Up The hard work is done! Save the date. Schedule Print off toolkit issue briefs, practice sharing your story & notify AF staff. Prepare Send a thank you note to the legislator and staff! Follow Up 4

What to Expect: District Visit On the phone: Erin O’Rourke, NY Arthritis Ambassador 4

How to Attend a Town Hall Visit your Representative’s website and sign up to receive their newsletter. Call their local office and ask the receptionist. Find Review the tips listed in the toolkit and print issue brief. Prepare Call your family and friends – ask them to join you! Recruit Attend the event and make your ask! Ask a thank you note to any staff you met and follow up on your request for support. Follow Up 4

Reporting Your Activity – me when you’ve scheduled your visit/Town Hall. Include relevant local Arthritis Foundation Staff, if you know them, in the – Report at only when you’ve completed your assignment! 4

2013 Ambassador Briefing Schedule Wednesday August 7, 2013 Wednesday October 2, 2013 Wednesday December 4, 2013 **New Ambassador Orientations will follow after each briefing** 11