Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation Sponsors Lobbying Effort
© Cherlene Pedrick RN (Cherry)
copyright, 1999
Do not pass up the opportunity to tell those in Washington, D.C. of the need for more funding and awareness!
The Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (OCF) will hold its annual conference in the Washington, D.C. area July 9-11, 1999. Being near the nation's capital, this is a great opportunity to inform our representatives and senators about our concerns pertaining to mental illness. The OCF will be organizing a lobbying effort Friday, July 9 prior to the official start of the conference. Congress is only a short metro ride away from the conference hotel.
Janis McClure, President of the OCF of Jacksonville, Inc., and her husband, Eric, will be coordinating the lobbying for the National OCF. "We consider it a great honor," Janis says, "I have done this [lobbying in Washington, D.C.] previously and it is a very empowering experience. I was amazed at how those in Washington, D.C. really listened. They are beginning to realize that those with 'mental illnesses' are an important voting block and we must reinforce this point with them."
They will make information available to those who are lobbying, including biographies of the congresspersons in each person's home area and tips on the best way to get the message across, including sample thank you letters for follow-up.
"We plan to have a pre-lobbying meeting at 9:30a.m. Friday, July 9 and then go to congress together," says Ms. McClure. "We want to show our lawmakers that those of us who have OCD or who care about those that do, are a large voice. After we reach the capital, we plan to separate and let lobbyists go to their individual state representatives. Topics will include rights, funding for research and treatment, equality, healthcare reform, employment equality and all areas that impact those with OCD."
All those who will be available on Friday, July 9 are invited to be a part of this lobbying experience. For more information about the OCF conference and the lobbying effort visit the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation: Annual Conference website at http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1120a.htm Write to LOBBYJAN@AOL.COM for specific information and updates about the OCF lobbying effort.
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