December 2007

Dear Advocacy Volunteers,

With an exceptional year of advocacy drawing to a close, we wanted to devote this year-end edition of F.A.N. mail to you-our hard-working advocacy volunteers and members of the Psoriasis Action Network. After such a busy and successful year, we have many volunteer success stories that we could share, but we've selected just a few that show how much your dedication pays off. We have also included some useful tips on making your advocacy more effective.

Without the involvement of volunteers like you across the country, the National Psoriasis Foundation couldn't have accomplished all we have in boosting the government's investment in psoriasis research and improving access to care.

I wish you all a very happy holiday season and eagerly look forward to continuing our groundbreaking work together in 2008.

Sheila Rittenberg
Director of Advocacy

Don't let fear keep you from taking action — Richard G., Washington

When I received an e-mail saying that the National Psoriasis Foundation needed my help in contacting Senator Patty Murray's office to ask her to co-sponsor the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act (S. 1459), I immediately thought, oh no, I'm being asked to do something I'm afraid to do... I am so glad that I didn't let my fear talk me out of making a phone call and sending an e-mail. Read the rest of Richard's story

Persistence pays off — John L., Connecticut

Dealing with members of Congress has been both frustrating and rewarding. I chose not to let my feelings of frustration overcome me and instead followed a path of persistent assertiveness. Having dealt with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for the past 43 years, at times hope is all that I had, and I was not about to let it slip from my fingers. Read the rest of John's story

Capitol Hill Day–easier than you think! — Cristy B., California

I first joined the National Psoriasis Foundation in 2005. Soon after, I heard about Capitol Hill Day and signed up. I have to be honest; at first I was apprehensive. I had this picture in my head of a political advocate holding a picket sign, marching in the street. I soon learned that this is not the case at all. You don't have to be an expert to succeed at Capitol Hill Day–all you need is a willingness to tell your story. Read the rest of Cristy's story

Cristy B., right, at Capitol Hill Day 2007. In addition to being a member of the Psoriasis Action Network, Cristy leads the San Diego Psoriasis Support Group.

3 tips for being a more effective advocate
from Alyssa Brown, advocacy coordinator

1. Personalize your message. The cornerstone of effective advocacy is sharing your story. When you write to Congress, take a few moments to personalize your message. Doing so can significantly increase the impact of your correspondence. Although congressional offices count all of the letters, postcards, e-mails and faxes they receive, messages that include a personal story and demonstrate how an issue impacts a constituent are more easily remembered by policymakers and their staff than statistics and generic examples. Moreover, personal stories are often what spur policymakers to action.

2. Don't forget to follow up. If you do not receive a response in a timely fashion (in excess of a month for most offices, a little bit longer for senators from large states like California and Texas), be sure to follow up. Contact the office by phone or with another letter (fax is best). Attach your original correspondence and indicate that you have not received a response and you are requesting one. If you receive an unsatisfactory response to your correspondence, you should write or call again to express appreciation for the response and politely, yet firmly, communicate that the response was not what you anticipated or requested. Reiterate your concerns and address any points the policymaker has made on the issue in the correspondence.

3. The National Psoriasis Foundation is here to help. I am here as a resource for you. If you are frustrated with the responses you have received (or lack thereof!) from your elected officials, let me know. Together, we can craft an individualized strategy for working with your members of Congress. I can provide you with everything you need to take your advocacy efforts to the next level-from talking points and sample letters to materials to share with congressional staffers and assistance in scheduling a local meeting. You can reach me by e-mail, action@psoriasis.org, or by phone, 800.723.9166, ext. 407.

For more tips, visit www.psoriasis.org/advocacy/action/resources.