The Georgia Day at The Dome is a fantastic event that will likely spark an interest in advocating in many student pharmacists. As a first year student pharmacist who just finished my first visit to the capitol, I have a few tips that future visitors may find helpful in making the day a success!
- Ladies: Do NOT wear heels. Though they may be the perfect addition to your power suit, they are not conducive to the 4 floors of stairs and hours of waiting in line. Give your feet a present and choose a more comfortable option.
- The MARTA is not as close as you think. Driving in a carpool or taking an Uber will be much easier, if slightly more expensive.
- Prepare thank you notes ahead of time, and have your entire group sign and include their business cards. Even if you don’t get a chance to speak with your representative, you will likely be able to leave the card for them while they are in session.
- Eat a big breakfast and have coffee beforehand. There will be refreshments at the GPhA breakfast, but add some protein and caffeine beforehand. You will be on your feet for several hours, and all that advocating can burn a lot of calories!
- Bring business cards! I cannot stress this enough, as I was able to speak to several representatives that I wasn’t even assigned to, this was a great way to make sure a connection was made. They were impressed with the professional touch.
- Have 1-2 group members stand in line to submit your audience request form and designate a meeting place for the remainder of the group. The line is very congested and when/if your representative comes out to speak to you, having a meeting place slightly away from the immediate exit will be much more conducive to a productive conversation. In the meantime, have the remainder of the group stand by the door to the chambers or the elevators. This is a very highly trafficked area and you will likely see many senators or representatives passing by. That being said, don’t be afraid to stop them! They are usually very impressed with the sea of white coats and would be happy to talk to you while waiting for the elevator to arrive.
- Prepare a notecard with a few important points about the bill you want to talk about. This will help you stay on track when you are nervous in front of the representative, and could even be given to them at the close of the conversation if you make it look nice enough.
- Do your research. Like your assigned representative’s Facebook campaign page and friend request their personal page. Email them the week before to alert them that you will be visiting and would like to have an audience with them. They may even seek you out if they know ahead of time that their constituents are going to be visiting! Also, know what they look like and some background information about them. What sector do they work in, do they have a family, did they grow up in the same town as one of your group members? Use these facts to create a personal connection
- Remember your page’s number and their face. Look out for them when they finish delivering your form. They are usually very young and overwhelmed with the huge crowd, so help them by making yourself easy to be found.
- After your advocating, go to the gallery to watch the session. It is awe-inspiring and a great look into the legislative process. Also, take advantage of the photo opportunities around the capitol building. You’ll need a good picture to post when the bill you’re advocating for passes the vote soon!
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