A Proactive Playbook for the 2026 Legislative Sessions: How to Successfully Shape Your Future (LIVE Webinar)-Hosting an Advocacy Day

Hosting an Advocacy Day

Pdf Summary

An Advocacy Day or Fly-In primarily aims to engage legislators to educate them about a profession—in this context, hearing healthcare—and to discuss policies affecting practice and patients. Key elements for hosting such an event include:<br /><br />1. Developing a clear agenda that schedules meetings with legislators and may include follow-up events such as press conferences or receptions.<br />2. Recruiting active participation from chapter members to strengthen advocacy efforts.<br />3. Scheduling targeted meetings with key legislators, including committee chairs and legislative leaders.<br />4. Preparing attendees by providing talking points and conducting pre-event webinars or calls to review the agenda and address questions.<br />5. Creating and sharing impactful materials, such as one-page briefs, during meetings.<br />6. Making specific asks, such as requesting legislators to introduce or support bills or resolutions, for example commemorating World Hearing Day.<br />7. Following up with personalized thank-you notes to legislators to build ongoing relationships.<br />8. Collaborating closely with the International Hearing Society (IHS) government affairs staff, who provide expertise, help with materials, follow-ups, and addressing challenges.<br /><br />An example highlighted is the IHS Hill Fly-In on April 30, 2025, where five members held 14 meetings with House and Senate officials as ambassadors for Hearing Aid Specialists. The event closed with a dinner featuring Rep. Tom Barrett, sponsor of the Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act (H.R. 3088).<br /><br />The IHS, founded in 1951, is a professional organization representing hearing healthcare professionals licensed to prescribe, fit, and dispense hearing aids. Its mission includes promoting hearing healthcare value, supporting professional development, and advocating for consumer access to quality care. Overall, effective advocacy involves thoughtful planning, engagement, preparation, and follow-up to influence legislation favorably.

Keywords

Advocacy Day

Fly-In

hearing healthcare

legislators engagement

policy advocacy

International Hearing Society

IHS Hill Fly-In

Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act

professional development

consumer access to hearing care