Discovering the ‘Fun’ in Fundraising

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 87^th 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 72^nd 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 79^th 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 18^th 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.