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The ASDA Council on Advocacy represents the interests of dental students on legislative and regulatory issues that impact the dental profession. The council launches grassroots initiatives to promote action-oriented advocacy in support of dental students and the patients they serve.

The council comprises one chair and five legislative coordinators. 

The council chair supervises and directs the activities of the council and facilitates council meetings. At the end of their term, chairs attend ASDA's Annual Session. 

Legislative Coordinators (LCs) work by the direction of the chair of the Council on Advocacy. They represent the chapters in their region and guide chapters on grassroots activities such as ADPAC drives, state lobby days and email campaigns.  

Council on Advocacy Chair Duties

Serves the association as the content expert in the area of legislation and advocacy. Supervises and directs the activities of the Council on Advocacy and the Legislative Grassroots Network (LGN).

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings below.
  3. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.
  4. Experience serving on the Council on Advocacy is strongly preferred.

Term Length

Spring Council 2018 - Lobby Day 2019

Meetings

Must be able to attend each meeting noted below in order to be considered for the position. Click here for exact dates.

  • Spring Council and Board of Trustees meeting
  • Fall Council and Board of Trustees meeting
  • National Leadership Conference
  • ASDA Annual Session 2019
  • Lobby Day 2019 (Date TBD)

Duties

  • Chairs all meetings of the council.
  • Approves all council meeting agendas and minutes.
  • Provides oversight on strategic plan advocacy initiatives.
  • Researches and/or completes any project or House of Delegates resolution assigned to him/her by the Board of Trustees.
  • Works with staff to plan National Dental Student Lobby Day.
  • May be appointed to serve as an ASDA representative to an ADA Council.
  • Submits post-meeting reports when representing ASDA at outside meetings.
  • Submits a year-end continuity report.
  • Assists with orientation and transition of new council members.
  • Provides content for association publications and media as requested.

Legislative Coordinator Duties

Provides leadership and support in the areas of legislation and advocacy to ASDA chapter legislative liaisons. Participates in the activities of the Council on Advocacy and the Legislative Grassroots Network (LGN).

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings below as well as participate in any conference calls deemed necessary by the chair.
  3. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.

Term Length

Spring Council 2018 - Lobby Day 2019

Meetings

Must be able to attend each meeting noted below in order to be considered for the position. Click here for exact dates.

  • Spring Council meeting
  • Fall Council meeting
  • ASDA Annual Session 2019
  • Lobby Day 2019 (Date TBD)

Duties

  • Serves as a member of the Council on Advocacy.
  • Reports to the chair of the Council on Advocacy.
  • Serves as the advocacy liaison within the region; provides leadership and support to the chapter and district legislative liaisons.
  • Educates chapter legislative liaisons on grassroots initiatives including but not limited to ADPAC membership drives; meet and greets; Engage alerts; voter registration drives; ASDA advocacy initiatives and provides oversight to the chapter on achieving chapter goals.
  • Completes projects assigned by the House of Delegates.
  • Implements strategic plan initiatives assigned by the Board of Trustees.
  • Works with staff to plan National Dental Student Lobby Day.
  • Assists with orientation and transition of new council members.
  • Communicates regularly with chapter legislative liaisons to stay up-to-date on advocacy.
  • Informs district trustees and district legislative liaisons of advocacy initiatives within the region
  • Maintains contact information for chapter legislative liaisons.
  • Completes a year-end report
  • Other duties as assigned by the chair.

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