Capitol Hill Clubs

Seniors Become Public Policy Advocates

Bon Secours Hampton Roads is partnering with members of the Senior Health program to help them develop the fine art of advocacy.

According to John Stone, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Vice President of Advocacy, advocacy as practiced by Bon Secours Health System, is "speaking or acting on behalf of a cause, a policy, a group of people or an individual, specifically to promote human dignity and to protect human rights with a preferential concern for the poor, disadvantaged and dying." "To bolster our advocacy efforts, Bon Secours created the Capitol Hill Club," said Steve Zollos, director of the Senior Health Program. Over 100 members strong, the club's goal is to provide an enjoyable, educational and exciting experience that elevates their understanding of public policy. Capitol Hill Club chapters meet monthly at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center and Mary Immaculate Hospital.

These gatherings are designed to:

• Raise awareness about key health issues being considered by lawmakers
• Educate and mobilize seniors on matters of mutual concern
• Explore the possibility of forming affiliate relationships with other organizations that share similar philosophies
• Create excitement about the advocacy efforts that will increase the size of the group

Advocacy training sessions featured a tutorial in writing letters to elected officials, a description of how a bill becomes a law, an election debriefing, an in-depth review of the Virginia General Assembly website and a face-to-face meeting with legislative aides.

Club members have taken several trips to Richmond over the past three years. During the most recent trip in February to the state capitol, 57 seniors met with Hampton Roads legislators and shared their desire to see increased funding for Medicaid. Members donned brilliant blue scarves with the Bon Secours logo.

They met with Senator Yvonne Miller, Senator Harry Blevins, Senator Marty Williams, Delegate Ken Melvin, Delegate Lionell Spruill, Delegate Algie Howell, Delegate Kenny Alexander, Delegate John Cosgrove and Delegate Mamye BaCote.

Aware that fixing Virginia's transportation challenges is the top priority this legislative session, seniors are opposed to cuts in basic services (i.e., health care and education) to pay for road repair and construction. "Seniors are a powerful voting block. When seniors speak with their votes and large numbers, lawmakers must listen," Stone noted.

To join the Capitol Hill Club or to obtain more information, call 398-2278.

Click here to view the 2006 State Legislative Advocacy Priorities