I am writing to invite your participation and leadership in AACOM Advocacy Day 2025 on September 9-10, with a virtual training session on 9/9 from 1-3 pm and congressional meetings on 9/10 (times to be announced, no longer than 2 hours total). Advocacy Day is a free virtual event where osteopathic deans, students, faculty, and advocates come together to speak up for the future of osteopathic medical education. View the agenda here(https://www.aacom.org/advocacy/resources/advocacy-day).
Participants will engage with Members of Congress, advocacy consultants and AACOM’s Government Relations team. You’ll gain key insights into the federal landscape and learn how to be an effective advocate. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or brand new to policy, AACOM Advocacy Day empowers you to elevate the voice of the OME community—from your home, office, or campus. Student participation is critical to osteopathic advocacy
and our policy priorities this year directly impact you:
- Ensuring DOs are treated equally in the residency process through the FAIR Act, H.R. 2314
- Expanding access to community-based clinical rotations through the Community TEAMS Act, H.R. 3885
On September 10th, SGA will be hosting a letter writing night from 5:30-7:00, putting the training from the previous day into action as we draft messages to legislators, calling them to action on behalf of osteopathic medical students everywhere.
If you are interested in participating in this event, each person will need to register for the event using this link (https://www.aacom.org/advocacy/resources/advocacy-day/registration) by Friday, August 1. Please then email Taylor (tgagne26605@med.lecom.edu) to let him know you’ve done so.
I plan to reserve a room at LECOM (location will depend on the number of participants) so we can not only attend the event together, but also discuss how we can take action here in Elmira, exchange resources, and brainstorm future local advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this chance to be part of real change!