AADR Advocates
The AADR Advocates are concerned researchers and educators who receive legislative updates regarding issues and programs of importance to dental research and education, and who respond to legislative action alerts from the AADR by communicating with members of Congress as the legislative process unfolds each year. They strive to educate and inform both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. Government about the accomplishments and needs of the dental research community. This “grassroots” network is an essential resource for the AADR and has been praised by Congressional staff for its effectiveness. AADR Advocates represent all aspects of the research enterprise and come from all geographic areas. AADR advocates are the research arm of the AADR/ADEA National Advocacy Network (NAN) for oral health.
How Does It Work?
The AADR Advocates Program operates as follows:
AADR Advocates are involved in supporting dental research and education regarding a number of federal programs including: The National Institutes of Health (NIH), The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Oral Health Programs, The Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ), The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Title VII Health Professions Training Programs, and other programs, with particular emphasis on funding for the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at the NIH. As legislative events unfold in Washington, the team at the AADR Division of Legislative Affairs alerts the AADR advocates. If action is considered necessary, the Advocates are directed to the online AADR Legislative Action Center, where they will find background information regarding the details of the issue(s) and an online template or talking points with sample wording that they can use to construct letters or make telephone calls to the appropriate Representatives and/or Senators. The Advocates are kept informed of the impact of their efforts as the legislative process unfolds. Being an AADR Advocate involves no commitment to support any AADR-recommended action.
How Can You Get Involved?
• Join the AADR Advocates Program
For further information, contact the AADR Director of Government Affairs:
Carolym Mullen
International & American Associations for Dental Research
1619 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-3406, USA
Telephone: +1.703.299.8098
Fax: +1.703.548.1883 | Email: [email protected]
• Stay informed about events in Washington that effect dental research
Find contact information for the Congressional delegation from your home state and district.
Stay up-to-date with the latest on important issues, recent votes, and current legislative activities.
Contact your elected officials in response to AADR Legislative action alerts, or about other issues important to you.
Get in the news by finding national and local media.
All of this information can be accessed through the AADR Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/dentalresearch/home/
• Contact Your Representatives
It is easy to contact your elected officials through the online Legislative Action Center. There you will find mail, email addresses, and telephone numbers for your representatives based on your Zip Code. The Legislative Action Center will contain up-to-date Legislative Updates and Action Alerts as issues develop in Washington. Alternatively, to telephone Senators and Representatives in Washington, DC, you may call 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with the appropriate House or Senate office(s) for your state. As noted above, the most effective way to obtain contact information for your Congressional delegation is via the AADR Legislative Action Center.