Call for AAO Member Volunteers to Join Inaugural National Advocacy Network Across States and Provinces

The AAO is seeking leaders for the new AAO National Advocacy Network (NAN). The AAO Council on Governmental Affairs (COGA) is emphasizing grassroots advocacy as a key strategy going forward, especially via AAO component organizations, and has opened volunteer leadership opportunities in every U.S. state and Canadian province.

What is the AAO National Advocacy Network?
In the fall of 2022, COGA created the National Advocacy Network (NAN) to maximize AAO member grassroots influence across the United States and Canada for offense and defense relating to AAO advocacy priorities. An inaugural class of NAN founders will help chart the future for our success by enhancing the specialty and protecting patient health and safety through grassroots advocacy influence driving evidence-based policy the AAO can support.

Who are the NAN Founders? YOU!
If you are a volunteer interested in advocacy and willing to learn, grow, and offer your talents, we want your leadership as a NAN representative. Candidates can be policy and political veterans or anyone with a can-do spirit and a passion for the AAO’s mission through advocacy.

Two Immediate Roles to Fill

Component Advocacy Liaison (CAL):

Working closely with COGA and the AAO Advocacy team, founding CALs will serve as their states’ or provinces’ chief points of contact for the National Advocacy Network. This role can include monitoring state/provincial regulation and legislation; recruitment of additional NAN leadership; representing AAO at key policy events; and working with counterparts throughout the nation to share lessons learned and insights to benefit Advocacy influence on AAO member priorities.

AAO Political Action Committee (AAOPAC) Captain (U.S. States Only):

Working closely with the AAOPAC Board and the AAO Advocacy team, the Founding AAOPAC Captains will serve as their states’ points of contact for AAOPAC fundraising that fuels AAO Advocacy priorities not only in Washington, D.C. but in states across the country. This is a key leadership role inside the National Advocacy Network that will also include recruitment and development of other leaders for AAOPAC growth and sustainability.

Captains will also represent AAOPAC at key political events and work closely with counterparts throughout the nation to fully leverage resources and relationships for AAOPAC success.

Want to know more? Click here for details about the time commitment, role descriptions, and what you’ll gain from being a CAL or AAOPAC Captain.

GET STARTED

If you are ready to join this NAN founding team and want to learn more, please reach out to AAO Grassroots and Digital Advocacy Specialist Kim VanVeen by sending an e-mail to [email protected] to share your interest. Candidates will be considered and selected for service beginning early in 2023.

We look forward to Founding NAN Leaders contributing to AAO Advocacy and AAOPAC success.