Before walking into the awe-inspiring state capitol building to meet with my legislative representative, I had polished my brown shoes, wore a matching belt, pressed my shirt, and tightened the brand-new tie around my neck. I had my information packet wedged under my arm ready to advocate for my anesthesiology specialty, my colleagues, and my patients. This was pre-COVID – a time when the normal hustle and bustle of grassroots advocacy meant trips to Sacramento or Washington, D.C., hallways full of lobbyists and interest groups, handshakes, receptions, and crowded conference rooms. For the past year, though, we haven't been able to approach advocacy that same way. We've found new ways to connect with elected officials, refine our message about being on the front lines of health care, and tell our story through virtual engagement. It's not the same type of advocacy, but it's still effective and incredibly important.
The age...
