It's time to rumble: March 26th at the Capitol in Salem

Submitted by Matt Webber on Tue, 03/10/2009 - 3:19pm

Lobby in Salem for Health Reform

March is here and we're right in the heart of the 2009 Oregon legislative session. Health reform is on the agenda. Will the end result lead to the improved health of Oregon's citizens and economy? Well, that depends on you!

Your elected officials are currently considering major health reform legislation and it is important they hear from you now. Your role is to make sure that the legislation passed in Salem actually improves the health of Oregonians and also helps our economy. Which is why we're asking you to join us on March 26th for the Archimedes Movement Lobby Day.

Never been to a lobby day before? No sweat, we've got you covered! Here's what we'll provide:

A meeting room booked in the Capitol all day long (consider it our "home room")
Scheduled appointments for you & others with legislators
Talking points throughout the day so you feel up to speed on the current policy
Small group breakouts for teams meeting with legislators
Experienced people who can accompany you & your team throughout the day
Opportunity to spend time with other Archimedes Movement & health reform supporters - this is a kid-friendly event
Lunch, guest speakers, carpooling help

Not bad, huh? The main message is that you won't be alone and you'll have fun meeting other people who care about health reform. If lobbying legislators is a brand new thing for you, then we'll make sure you're part of a team throughout the day. Your voice is important and your legislators need to hear from you and we're going to be there to help!

» Register Now
NOTE: If you have any trouble with our sign-up form, just email Matt Webber. Be sure to include your street address, so that we can match you up with your legislators.

What do we want to make sure is emphasized in the reform? We want lawmakers to ask themselves (and each other) if the proposals help us move towards the three goals of the "Triple Aim:"

Improve the overall health of the defined population.
Reduce per-capita cost of health care.
Improve the individual patient experience in terms of clinical outcome, patient safety and patient satisfaction.

What should you ask of your legislators?

Make the Triple Aim a stated goal of the Oregon health system.
Establish an Oregon Health Authority with real authority, and
Require the new Health Authority to develop and establish a public insurance option.
Be vigilant about making the process completely public and transparent.

Just like the Triple Aim, we'll give you the top 3 reasons to attend Lobby Day.

You're already invested. This is your health system we're talking about! Many of the bills being considered are the result of your hard work and advocacy from the past several years.
Build Community. Meet other reformers like yourself. Remember, this isn't a campaign. We're building a movement - so make some friends along the way.
Every day is lobby day. We hope you can join us and help to make a big impact on this lobby day. But don't forget, every day is a citizen lobby day, whether you go to Salem, write a letter, make a phone call, or email your legislators. To find your legislators, visit the Oregon Legislature website.

Thursday, March 26th

9:30 AM - Registration
10 AM - Welcome & Orientation
10:30 AM - Policy& Advocacy Training
Noon - Lunch and Small Group Sessions
1:00 to 3:00 PM - Meetings with Legislators
3:30 - Debrief and Say Goodbye

» Register Now
NOTE: If you have any trouble with our sign-up form, just email Matt Webber. Be sure to include your street address, so that we can match you up with your legislators.

Where to meet
Hearing Room 50, basement of the Capitol building
900 Court Street NE, Salem, Oregon

Carpooling?
To share a ride (driving or riding), please complete this form. This is in addition to registering for the lobby day.

RSVP
We'll do the work of getting appointments set up for you with your representative and senator – and arrange for your lunch. Please RSVP and give us the address where you live and/or are registered to vote (that will tell us who to set up your appointments with).

» Register Now
NOTE: If you have any trouble with our sign-up form, just call (503-860-5854) or email Matt Webber. Be sure to include your street address, so that we can match you up with your legislators.

» Download the Flyer (PDF)