Eric Sokol

As the legendary Massachusetts politician Thomas "Tip" O'Neill once said, "All politics is local." This being the case, it behooves any supplier who relies on federal programs for revenue to take the time to become an effective DME grassroots advocate. As a successful advocate, you will become known to your Members of Congress and their staffs. Hopefully, you will come to be recognized as an unofficial advisor to the Congressional staff members on DME issues.

Yet, as a result of fear, uncertainty, or a belief that such an investment is not fruitful, many have yet to get politically involved. As the last few political cycles have demonstrated, every vote does count, so the question is how to best leverage this power.

First, get to know your Members of Congress—do your homework and find out who represents you, specifically, your Representative and two Senators. Visit their Web sites, read their biographies, get to know their pet issues and interests. Try to identify mutual points of interest that you both may share (attended the same university or growing up in the same neighborhood). E-mail them to support or oppose a particular position, mention a local appearance, or brief them on an issue they may feel is important. Also, get to know their staff members, particularly the person in charge of health care issues.

Attend town hall meetings or schedule a visit in the District office when you know that the Representative will be in town. Invite them to your place of business or volunteer to take them or a staff member on a delivery so they will have a better understanding of how you affect their constituents' lives. Seek out your legislators at local rotary club events, parades, or other public functions.

One of the quickest ways to get notice is to become a political donor or fund-raiser that helps the Congressperson raise money by soliciting friends and colleagues. Also, most state and national associations representing DME providers have a political action committee (PAC) that raises money to give to those candidates who support the DME community. Know that all funds donated to federal candidates must be personal money (not corporate funds), subject to certain limits, and are not tax deductible.

Get involved with your state and national association—an association's presence in Washington is only as strong as its membership. The bigger the association, the more effective is their advocacy. Dues from suppliers allow associations to employ a greater number of advocacy tools, hire more staff, or establish a public relations campaign.

Eric Sokol is director of the Power Mobility Coalition, Washington, DC. He can be reached via e-mail: .