What Difference Can 15 Minutes Make?

Win Marshall at Annual Meeting

At AAHSA’s Annual Meeting last week, board chair Win Marshall charged members to devote 15 minutes a week to advocating for our field.

That kind of call to action can be considered a double-edged sword. On one hand, that kind of time can be hard to find when you’re facing a state survey or a board meeting. Conversely, 15 minutes isn’t that much time. How can it really make a difference?

I’m writing today to answer to that question. Fifteen minutes may not be much time, but it’s just enough to make advocating for aging services a habit. It’s also plenty of time to write, call or e-mail the people who need hear to about the work AAHSA members do for older adults.

Here are a few ideas for getting started on the “15 Minutes a Week” challenge:

• Learn about your legislators on AAHSA’s Contract Congress page.
• Read AAHSA’s policy priorities and issue briefs.
• Send an e-mail to your legislators on Capitol Hill. From housing funding to health reform, they need to hear from you.
• Make advocacy the topic of a staff meeting. Ask employees what issues about their work inspire them to act.
• Invite your member of Congress or a member of their staff to visit your organization. Even if they can’t make it, an invitation is a great way to form a relationship with your policy makers.

Have you already started the challenge? Great! Let us know how you spent your first 15 minutes.