Political Action

Political action is the act of conducting and participating in the governmental process. The political action of EMS personnel is an important component of the EMS legislative agenda. Without elected officials who are supportive of emergency service issues, legislative victories will be much harder to obtain.

This section briefly covers some activities EMTS and paramedics can easily undertake to become politically involved in their community and state. Political action can make the difference between getting support for EMS issues or getting opposition.

Getting Involved in Politics

Due to the escalating costs of campaigns today, politicians are relying on volunteers, rather than paid staff, to assist in putting together campaigns. To survive under these circumstances, campaigns have begun to recruit local citizens from within the candidate's community. These campaigns have also been turning to civic organizations, issue-oriented groups, students, senior citizens and others. These groups have responded and eagerly assisted, knowing that if "their" candidate wins, they will have someone in office supportive of their issues.

Some EMS personnel already have some campaigning experience and in fact, have been candidates themselves for elected office. We enthusiastically encourage everyone to participate in the political process. EMS participation in the political process will only enhance the clout of emergency services in Congress.

Outlined below are just a few examples of how you can get involved in the political process.

• If you're not registered to vote, register NOW! 
• Contact your local Democratic or Republican party office and offer to assist. 
• Become active in a candidate's campaign. Contact the campaign and offer your time. Previous campaign experience or useful skills (secretarial, computer, driver, etc.), are in great need. This will make it easier for them to assign tasks. This is a great way to get to know a candidate and begin educating them on EMS issues. It is also a good way to find out if a candidate would support or oppose issues that concern you on both a personal and professional level. 
• Run for public office, such as the school board, city council, state representative or Congress. Not only is the political arena a potential career path, you will find yourself in good company with other elected officials who once served as EMTs in their communities. 
• Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper supporting a candidate and stating the reasons why. This alone could generate additional support for the candidate. Make sure editorials are clear and to the point.
• For the association to continue its efforts in working with elected officials and promoting the issues and concerns of emergency services, it is essential for all members to get politically active. This enables the association to better attract the attention of elected officials when it comes to EMS legislative issues. Remember, every individual contribution strengthens the voice of the association when dealing with Congress.

Adapted with permission from the National Volunteer Fire Council (www.nvfc.org).