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What is the Grassroots
Action Team Network?
Thousands of dentists in all 435 Congressional
districts are making dentistry’s voice heard clearly
in Washington, D.C. through their involvement in a local
action team. By joining the action team in your district,
you become a member of dentistry’s front line in grassroots
politics.
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What
is the purpose of the Grassroots Action Team Network?
The goal of the action teams is to influence
legislative decisions that have an impact on your profession
by building high-quality constituent relationships with U.S.
Representatives.
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Who
can participate in the Grassroots Action Team Network?
All dentists are welcome to join an Action
Team in their area. Spouses of dentists are encouraged to
join as well. Members of the ADA’s spouses’ group,
the Alliance of the American Dental Association, participate
frequently in activities on behalf of dentistry. They can
be very important players in your grassroots efforts, providing
additional support and resources to your action team. A spouse
can also serve as a team leader.
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What
is the time commitment for belonging to the Grassroots
Action Team Network?
While there is no limit on the amount of time you can serve as an action team leader or member, it generally takes very little time or effort to make a difference.
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What
is an Action Team Leader?
The action team leader is a local dentist
or spouse in your U.S. Congressional district who does not
necessarily have a close personal relationship with your
legislator, but who has volunteered their time to organize,
motivate and mobilize the team members in your district.
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What
are the responsibilities of an Action Team Leader?
The team leader develops an effective action
team by organizing, motivating and mobilizing team members.
One of the primary roles of a team leader is to serve as
the communication link between the action team, the ADA Washington
Office and your Member of Congress.
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What
is an Action Team Member?
A team member is a dentist or spouse who
volunteers to help protect the future of dentistry by becoming
an effective advocate for the profession and oral health
care issues.
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What
are the responsibilities of an Action Team Member?
To carry out the goals of your action team,
you are asked to do the following: represent dentistry’s
positions on issues to your U.S. Representative, be aware
of pending federal legislation and be prepared to discuss
its impact on the practice of dentistry, work with your team
to plan and coordinate grassroots political activities in
the district and help build community understanding and support
for issues of concern to dentistry.
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Can
spouses join the Grassroots Action Team Network?
Spouses of dentists are encouraged to join
their local grassroots action team. Alliance members participate
frequently in activities on behalf of dentistry. They can
be very important players in your grassroots efforts, providing
additional support and resources to your action team. A spouse
can also serve as an action team leader.
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Are
training opportunities available for those who wish to
learn more?
The Washington Leadership Conference is held annually in Washington, DC for all team leaders. Action Team Seminars help to educate and update team members on the current political climate. In addition, there are two resource manuals and several kits available which offer guidance in understanding your role in the legislative and political process.
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Contact Us
American Dental Political Action Committee
ADA Washington Office
1111 14th Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
202.898.2424
Fax: 202.898.2437
E-mail: govtpol@ada.org
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