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4. Organize a tour of a local research facility. The tangible promise of a cure is an integral part of our message. Giving a Member a first-hand look at the research is a good way to gain their enthusiastic support. Work with your neurologist, Parkinson's researchers and local or national organizations. 5. There's political strength in numbers. One advocate at one event will not have the impact of 10 people with "Pass the Udall bill -- NOW!" signs every time a Member appears in public. Work with your support group, local and national organizations and media to coordinate advocates and events in your community and/or state. 6. Be creative, direct and persistent. If your Member has a weekly call-in radio talk show, organize a group of advocates to place calls in support of the Udall bill. If the Member is not a cosponsor, call in every week until they are. Remind them that Parkinson's doesn't take a recess! 7. Thank Members who are already cosponsors. With a little encouragement, cosponsors will often become more aggressive champions. A personal thank you (again, the more the better) or a complimentary letter to the editor (please see the enclosed sample) serve to remind Members of the urgency of our issue and also energize them to support immediate action in September. 8. Don't forget the importance of good media relations. Send press releases to your local papers announcing such happenings as support group meetings and activities, meetings with Members (either at their offices or your support group meetings), and visits to local research centers and hospitals. Offer story ideas, such as human interest stories, ongoing progress in Parkinson's research, local grassroots efforts in the national campaign to pass the Udall bill, or profiles of a day-in-the-life of a Parkinson's researcher, patient or caregiver. Be prepared to recommend local scientists and researchers as resources for interviews, and offer to make the necessary arrangements. ----------------------- Parkinson's Action Network 800-850-4726 Headquarters: 818 College Ave., Suite C Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-544-1994 phone 707-544-2363 fax Washington, DC 202-628-2079 email: [log in to unmask] DC email: [log in to unmask]