Learn what to say to lawmakers to advocate for the industry—as well as how and when to say it—in a new session at ACA’s 2022 Fall Forum in Chicago.
09/26/2022 10:00 A.M.
3 minute read
It can be a challenge to speak your mind with legislators and regulators, but hearing your story can help inform and influence their actions.
ACA International also knows that in addition to crafting a message to share with your representatives, it can be equally challenging to find time to meet with them.
With that in mind, ACA member Katie Borchers, owner and president of Beyond Green Solutions, created a session for ACA’s Fall Forum titled, “Put on Your ARM Advocacy Hat.”
In this session, Borchers will walk you through advocacy tips and suggest specific steps to help you take immediate action within your daily time constraints.
Attendees will walk away with practical tips on how to advocate and work through any nerves related to talking with government officials.
They want to hear from their constituents and stakeholders. Session attendees will also learn what some members are doing to advocate and how to use ACA’s materials in your advocacy efforts.
Register for the 2022 Fall Forum here to access this session as well as health care, compliance and technology education—plus, you’ll be able to expand your professional network and find business solutions.
Exhibit & Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you to our current sponsors: Provana, Maurice Wutscher, Beam Software, Payscout, Prodigal, Skit.ai, TEC Services Group, VoApps DirectDrop Voicemail, Solutions by Text, CompuMail, CWA Merchant Services, Nuvei and RNN Group.
A limited number of sponsorships remain available for this event. To learn more email [email protected].
Content questions? Contact Kelli Krueger, ACA’s director of education, at [email protected].
How to Get Involved in Advocacy: ACA Has Resources to Help
Before attending Fall Forum, here are few tips to learn more about ACA’s advocacy opportunities.
- First, take a look at ACA’s updated advocacy book for members, which reviews the top industry issues.
- ACA’s Policymakers website also has powerful video stories from consumers and small businesses that are easy to share with your legislators. Each of the brief videos on the Policymakers website is accompanied by instructions on how you can email them to your representatives. Personal stories like those featured in the videos can help lawmakers better understand the positive impact ARM professionals have on consumers and the economy.
- Topics in ACA’s advocacy book apply at the state level, too. In 2021, nearly a dozen states considered legislation to address medical debt collection, with four ultimately enacting legislation. This year, the 6,000 state legislators up for election represent nearly 28% of state legislative seats, according to Andrew Madden, ACA’s vice president of state and government affairs. There are also 36 governors up for election. Madden recommends finding common ground with legislators on a personal level, such as family or common interests, and then sharing about your business. As an ice breaker, try talking about community service that is important to you or a local event you attended.
Openstates.org has a tool to find your state and federal representative by entering your address.
Read more on advocacy resources and how to get involved here: Advocacy Starts with You: ACA Provides the Resources You Need
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.
