Recent Coverage
- "Investment in medical research saves lives, boosts economy."
Dr. Paul Ramsey, CEO of University of Washington Medicine, executive vice president for medical affairs, and dean of the School of Medicine, University of Washington in The Seattle Times, February 7, 2012 - "WHATCOM VIEW: Cancer research in need of congressional funding."
Tiffany Go, Washington ambassador, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in The Bellingham Herald, October 24, 2011 - "Research and Debt Reduction: Investing more federal dollars in life science research may save the US economy."
Mary Woolley, president and CEO of Research!America in The Scientist, October 1, 2011
NWABR encourages you to:
- Help elected officials and the general public understand the critical importance of biomedical research and the necessity of safeguarding it.
- Use your voice to help ensure that biomedical research continues to be supported.
- Not 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
- 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.
