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Neurologists are dedicated to ensuring that patients everywhere have access to high-quality care and that adequate research funding continues to advance treatments for patients. Medical students are uniquely positioned to elevate the voice of neurology through political action campaigns, visits to our legislators, and to better serve their future patients as the next generation of neurologists.

Whether you have only a few minutes or can commit to an entire day, you'll find tools for advocates at any level to get involved.

You Have a Minute:

• Read and share the Capitol Hill Report—The academy’s bi-weekly update on legislative action and advocacy for neurology. Read the latest news on how the AAN is fighting for neurology in Washington, DC.
• Sign up to receive notices from the AAN's Advocacy Action Center.
• Sign up for your federal and state legislators' newsletters.
• Find out who represents you on the 

• Advocate on social media—Check out how the AAN and your peers advocate for neurology and join the discussion.
  • Follow these accounts on X: 
    • AAN President
  • Follow on Instagram
  • Follow the

• Repost, like, and share what others are saying by searching and using  as a hashtag.

You Have 15-20 Minutes:

• Watch with Drs. Kavita Patel, Tracey Henry & Aliye Runyan.
• Learn more about your State Neurosociety or State Medical Society to ensure that neurologists and their patients' voices and concerns are represented in the legislative, regulatory, and payer arenas.
• Don’t see a neurosociety in your state? Contact the AAN at advocacy@aan.com.

• Watch Advocacy Skills Toolbox
• Define your story—many members of Congress are unfamiliar with neurology and its impact on their state, district, and constituents. Personal stories put a “face” to an issue and resonate more than just facts and figures. Take some time to recall and prepare a concise, compelling story to have the best chance of being remembered.

You Have an Hour:

• Write an op-ed:
• Writing an opinion editorial (op-ed) is an impactful way to raise awareness and influence public opinion. Begin by choosing a clear, focused message, supported by strong evidence. Use a compelling hook in your introduction to grab readers' attention. Stay concise and avoid jargon—op-eds are typically around 750 words. Include real-life examples or anecdotes to make your point more relatable. Conclude with a strong call to action or a solution to the issue at hand. Be sure to submit your piece to a publication that reaches your intended audience.
• Organize a letter-writing activity with your SIGN members:
• See an action alert that particularly sparks your interest? Take time to educate your fellow SIGN members on the issue and support the cause by collectively sending messages to your representatives.
• Go the extra mile by looking into the state level of similar action alerts and connect with your state representatives through a letter-writing campaign.
• Watch this TED Talk from Omar Ahmed to get inspired and start planning:

You Have a Day:

• Neurology Off the Hill: Off the Hill is an opportunity to join a Neurologist AAN member in your state and meet with your members of Congress during the August recess. Most members take this month away from Washington, DC, to spend time with constituents. This creates the perfect time for you to reach out to create a personal connection and establish an ongoing relationship with your representative’s office.

• : The Rally for Medical Research is held every September and includes more than 300 national organizations coming together to meet with congressional offices to advocate for increased NIH funding and raise awareness about the importance of continued investment in medical research.
• : An organization that works to empower constituents across the county to have face-to-face conversations with their elected officials. Their event listings include:
• Town halls
• Public events with members of Congress in their district/state
• Ticketed events in the district/state
• Staff office hours
• Opportunities in Washington, DC to speak with your representative

• Fundraisers: Attend fundraisers to support people in your community working for AAN priorities. For information about fundraiser opportunities, please email advocacy@aan.com.
• Hill Days: Participate in other hill days on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC organized by medical societies and patient organizations. Visit their websites to get more details.
• Attend the AMA's