Northwest Association for Biomedical Research

Speak Out!

Help elected officials and the general public understand the critical importance of biomedical research and the necessity of safeguarding it. Your voice can help ensure that biomedical research continues to be supported. Don't allow the issues to be framed solely by vocal and media-savvy anti-research groups. Contact your representatives or news media and share your perspective. One letter is estimated to carry the weight of 400 voters! Advocacy does make a difference.

We've compiled some information to assist you with spreading the word about the need to allow researchers to continue to seek cures and treatments, and to provide hope to those in need. For 'talking points', public opinion poll data, and other information that will strengthen your communications, visit Research!America, a non-profit, non-partisan voice for making medical and health research a higher national priority.

Overall suggestions for communicating your message
Be brief (1-2 pages for letters) and focus on one issue
Refrain from technical language or jargon
Put things in human terms, and be constructive and positive
Emphasize the importance of research to the local community and economy
Ask direct questions and request a reply.

LEGISLATIVE OUTREACH
Let your representatives know about the issues that are important to you! Help provide useful information to those who speak for you on the local and national levels. Legislators respond favorably to vocal advocacy from their constituents.

Contact information

US President, Vice President
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Congress home page
http://congress.org/
Allows you to find your National legislators by entering your zip code.

Washington State Legislature
http://www.leg.wa.gov/wsladm/default.htm
Allows you to find your Washington State legislators by entering your zip code.

MEDIA OUTREACH

Newspapers
Writing a Letter to the Editor of a newspaper is the easiest way to get the message about research out to the general public. If possible, tie your letter into a recent news story. Review other letters run by the paper to get an idea of the acceptable length and tone. Consider sending your letter to other publications that might be appropriate, such as health-oriented ones. Opinion and editorial pieces must conform to strict guidelines, so be sure to inquire about those in advance.

Interviews
Research the work of any reporter you will be meeting with.
Decide on your main 2-3 talking points.
Anticipate questions, especially ones that might be difficult for you to answer.
Remember that nothing is ever 'off the record'!

Some information in this section was adapted with permission from the North Carolina Association for Biomedical research, http://www.ncabr.org/ncabr.nsf/web/outreach.

NWABR is a 501(c)3 organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
The NWABR web site was made possible by funding from the National Center for Research
Resources and the National Institutes of Health through a Science Education Partnership Award.