It’s hard to express just how much you experience in two short days during the APTA Capitol Hill Day event. It was amazing to see the collaboration by so many committed practitioners taking place from the development of a bill in the House of Delegates to its delivery and follow through with legislation in advocacy meetings. I certainly gained a comprehensive understanding of the advocacy process through our structured training session and from the extensive knowledge of experienced PTs and PTAs in the Minnesota coalition. Also, discussing with and observing practitioners from multiple settings in action at 4 legislative staff meetings was a great opportunity in learning how to communicate our standpoint in a way which gave authentic voice to the underlying needs of our patients. For example, as many of the proposed bills centered on patient access, integrating real clinical experiences and patient-constituent stories really seemed to help “hit home” and make connections with the staff during the meetings. Being a first timer, it was very encouraging to see this level of engagement and potentially establishing political sponsorship with the many issues surrounding patient care.

As a student, being able to actively participate in Capitol Hill Day advocacy really makes you feel like a contributing member to the larger APTA community. Everyone has a part to play in the development of the profession and I feel like advocating is an excellent opportunity, especially as a student, to provide a unique experience for addressing some of the bills being brought forth. This, along with the inclusion, camaraderie at the PTPAC event, and encouragement furnished by experienced PTs and PTAs, has certainly inspired me to pursue further involvement in advocacy efforts of the profession.