New Hampshire is one of a handful of states with a special fifth season — Primary Candidate Visit Season. Gaye Jacques decided to take advantage of it by trying to meet as many of the Democrat primary candidates as she possibly could, bringing their attention to the barriers to care people with arthritis face every day.
Gaye has met with an impressive number of presidential candidates competing for the Democrat nomination, 14 to be exact! She uses her position as an Arthritis Ambassador and New Hampshire voter to speak out. Gaye attends each meet-and-greet ready to introduce herself and talk about her 10-year-old granddaughter who has been living with arthritis since she was 3.
Gaye’s work doesn’t stop after the meet-and-greet is over. She prepares leave-behind materials for each candidate to introduce them to advocacy priorities. These take-aways help them understand the urgency of arthritis as a public health priority that affects more than 54 million adults and 300,000 children.
One of the issues Gaye is most passionate about is federal step therapy reform, an issue that has staying power. She hopes those still serving in Congress after the presidential race will advance the bill she touted on the campaign trail.
Gaye wants to encourage you to find opportunities to share your own story in person. “There’s still plenty of time to see what comes your way, to catch a candidate for a few words and a photo opp!”
Here are Gaye’s tips on making the most of your quick encounter with a candidate or legislator:
- Know Your Facts
出现在活动中，准备好回答问题，带一份打印好的文件给候选人。记住，对一个问题说“我不确定”是可以的。询问他们的联系方式，然后跟进。Usethis Fast Facts sheetto refer to quickly in conversations. - Share Your Story
Your personal story makes you credible and memorable. A town hall or coffee with a Congress person/candidate is the perfect time to share your story in three short sentences or less. A town hall or local interview taping is the perfect opportunity to do that. Your to-the-point story will shed light on your connection to the issue before you jump into your question or conversation with the candidate.
- Take Pictures
Taking a photo at your meeting isn’t just a great memento for the mantel. Post your picture on social media and tag the candidate to say thank you and make sure they don’t forget your story. This documents your conversation and reminds the candidate of the issue you spoke about. Use the hashtag #AdvocateforArthritis so we can track your hard work! - Follow Up and Follow Through
Thank-you notes are important. Not only do they serve as another reminder of your conversation, but they also convey how important advocating for arthritis is to you. Don’t wait too long to send your note — keep it relevant and current! - You Are the Expert in Your Own Experience
总之，重要的是要记住你的关节炎故事-作为一个病人，照顾者或提供者-完全是独一无二的。没人能像你这样说出来。你是自己经验的专家。今天在我们的行动中心分享你的故事。Get started right away!
