by Amy Parker, 2015
Pharm.D. candidate, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy
Recently, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity
to attend my first political fundraiser with Amanda Lick, MPA manager of advocacy,
governmental and regulatory affairs. The fundraiser took place on Sept. 18, and
was a breakfast for Rep. Mike Callton of the 87th district. Rep.
Callton acts as vice chair of the Michigan House of Representatives Health Policy
Committee and chair of the House Financial Committee. In addition, he has a
seat on the Elections and Ethics, Criminal Justice, and Financial Liability
Reform Committees. Rep. Callton has been a long-time supporter of the pharmacy
profession, and this evident by his sponsorship and work on House
Bill 4271, the medical marihuana provisioning center
regulation act. To say that I was a bit nervous is an understatement. I had no
idea what to expect, so my mind was racing the night before and the morning of the
event with all of these questions.
- What questions would be asked of me?
- What capacity was I to function in
while I was there?
- Was I there representing my school,
MPA, pharmacists everywhere? Or representing myself as a concerned citizen of
Michigan?
When the time finally came to attend the event, I walked
into the room and was warmly greeted by Rep. Callton. Amanda then guided me
through the room and introduced me to Rep. Ken Yonker of the 72nd
district, who talked about what a great time he had when he casually talked
politics to group of college students after an event.
Next, we met Rep. Al Pscholka of the 79th
district, who ate breakfast with Amanda and I. He asked me where I was from and
what school I attended, and then I listened as he and Amanda engaged in small
talk the same way a couple of old friends would.
As I walked through the room I had much of the same
experience. Everyone was very welcoming and no one expected me to have a
developed speech on the hard hitting issues that “everyone” is talking about.
In fact, most people that I met were just curious to know where I was from,
where I was attending school or what the Doctor of Pharmacy program entails.
There was little politics being discussed in a room full of politicians, which
really put me at ease. I even met another first timer named Betty Wadland. Betty
was there volunteering on behalf of the Michigan Association of Nurse
Anesthetists, and she was truly curious about the role of the pharmacist and
how we fit into health care. She also shared with Amanda and I the different
roles of the nurse anesthetist, and she seemed truly of the mind that collaboration
in health care is key.
I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have this
experience. In a few short weeks, I will be attending an event honoring Sen.
Rebekah Warren of the 18th district. I truly feel that this will be
an excellent event to experience, and I say to all those interested, but who
are a little nervous or hesitant, just go! You will be amazed at how
approachable some of our legislators are, and it can truly help build a
relationship for communication down the road.
In fact, building these relationships with legislators is
so crucial. It helps them attach a personal story or face to issues. Most
importantly, it gives them a face to associate with pharmacy. The relationships
that are formed allow us to communicate openly and honestly with the people who
can truly help us. These legislators want to help; they want to know what
matters to us. But if we don’t put ourselves out there, get involved and take
advantage of the opportunities that are provided to us, how do ever expect
anything to change? We can illicit change but only if we’re willing to seek out
those who are listening and willing to lend a helping hand.
