1. 9th Annual VATA Hit the HILL
Sponsored by the VATA Governmental Affairs Committee

2. 5 w’s Who: All athletic trainers, clinicians, researchers, students
What: Advocating for the profession of athletic training in the commonwealth of Virginia
Why: Every year is critical to communicate with our legislators, no one will advocate for our needs except for us
When: February 13, Briefing 8:30-9:30. Your appointments to follow (typically done at 12:00)
Note: There are several linked documents in this presentation, you must run as a “presentation” to click on the link

3. Our goals
Increased visibility among Virginia’s legislators and their aides
Better understanding by legislators and aides of the work we do and how we help our clients
Communication to them about our issues of importance
Beginning (or continuation) of an ongoing relationship with legislators

4. Sign up First, fill out the attached form
Second, just wait until sign up closes
There may be several of you from the same region. GAC will coordinate with grouping and contact you via
After you are contacted by the GAC, you will schedule appointments by calling your delegate’s and senator’s offices (phone is preferable, but if you get no reply, call their capitol offices)
You will be making 2 appointments, one Virginia senator and one Virginia delegate
Reminder: Find your legislators here
LAST SIGN UP DATE IS Jan 23, 2018

5. What about students? ATEP Students
You will not need to make appointments, you will be attached to a group
You will still need to sign up
Good for networking with other professionals and students
Good low pressure introduction for advocacy whether you’re in/out of state

6. Coordinating instructions
We will meet beforehand for a briefing session (08:30-09:30)
University of Richmond Downtown, 626 E. Broad Street, Suite 100, in the downstairs Room. Please plan to be on time.
Briefing
Go over bills and budget issues of importance
Discuss the climate for legislating
Answer any questions you might have

7. Preparation Prepare yourself with this document
Additional material will be available at the Briefing
If you have questions or have difficulty with the documents in this presentation, contact Scott Powers