There was an amazing group of advocates in St Louis this week for a conference. We shared so many similar goals and values. I felt an incredible sense of responsibility looking out into the audience of mostly older advocates. My experiences are carrying forward our combined desire to make healthcare more equitable.
The trip to St Louis definitely proved a ground for learning about forming coalitions of organizations. I was able to give a panel presentation on reframing this issue around the family. This was done with help from many parties, including a professor Communications. The presentation was received extremely well and signals that the morale is still there and ready to move around an updated message.
If there's anything to be learned from the 2008 Presidential campaign it's that an effective vision, and related symbols, connect in a very powerful manner.
We met together with a new, ad hoc Messaging committee and the level of experience of these advocates is amazing. Some have co founded their own organizations and others are involved in efforts across multiple organizations. One of those indidivuals is certainly a dynamic character. He's involved in local D.C. politics, organizing and also creates and distributes his own music. Such new relationships are very inspirational and energize me to continue working forward to push through the idea held for nearly a century.
