The strength of the South Carolina Medical Association lies in the collective actions and amplified voices of our physician members. While some like to dive in head first, others prefer to dip their toe in the water … and both can be effective. Physicians are respected and influential members of our communities. Your voice matters.
Get to know your legislator BEFORE you have a specific ask.
- DIP YOUR TOE: Start with your own district’s senator and representative, and send them an email to introduce yourself. If you live and work in two different legislative districts, introduce yourself to both district representatives. Find your legislator at scstatehouse.gov/legislatorssearch.php.
- DIVE HEAD FIRST: Work with SCMA’s Holly Pisarik (hollyp@scmedical.org) to schedule a meeting with your own district legislators, sponsors of specific bills, or influential House or Senate committee members. You may also consider participating in campaign fundraisers for candidates.
Add your legislators to your phone contact list.
- Having the names of your legislators on-hand for quick access can be beneficial. If you have already established a rapport with the legislator, they will be more inclined to take your call immediately, as they will likely have your name in their phone as well!
Use your voice to influence critical issues.
- DIP YOUR TOE: When a critical issue arises, email or call your legislator and voice your concerns. Many legislators are not aware of the harmful or unintended consequences of legislative action until they are told by those who are impacted by the decisions being made.
- DIVE HEAD FIRST: Schedule a face-to-face meeting with your legislator. Holly Pisarik can help (hollyp@scmedical.org)! And if the issue is scheduled to be debated on the floor, consider volunteering to offer testimony. Firsthand stories provide emotional and impactful insights for legislators.
Stay informed.
- DIP YOUR TOE: SCMA members can read their monthly SCMedNews eNewsletters to receive a summary of key issues in South Carolina. Members receive exclusive access to these newsletters, which contain educational information about the legislative process, interviews with legislators, and legal updates from Chief Legal Officer Richele Taylor. You can also follow SCMA and your legislators on social media for access to more details.
- DIVE HEAD FIRST: Donate to SCMedPAC and receive additional legislative updates that include detailed information about specific bills and policies.
Get involved.
- DIP YOUR TOE: Engage with your county medical society. Sometimes it’s easier to get your feet wet on the local level before elevating to state- or national-level engagement.
- DIVE HEAD FIRST: Actively pursue leadership opportunities in county medical societies and in SCMA committees or executive positions. While every member of the SCMA has a voice in the legislative process, our physician leaders are positioned to influence association priorities.
- BONUS: Recruit new members! The SCMA is only as strong as its collective voice, and there is far more power in numbers. New members can join by visiting scmedical.org/membership.
Source: SCMedNews: December 2023 Special Legislative Edition
