Reach out to your lawmakers to advocate for musculoskeletal research. You can do this by writing an email or even by using the traditional letter. The ORS is a member of two groups which provide templates for letters to congress:

• AIMBE
• ResearchAmerica! has several templates based upon preselected messages.

We suggest that you utilize these templates but adapt it to your needs specific to orthopaedic research.

You can also use the letter below:

I am writing this letter to stress the fundamental importance of science to the health, wealth, and future of America.

A robust, reliable investment in scientific discovery is crucial to improve patients’ health, strengthen the economy in the near- and long-term, and maintain the U.S.’ global preeminence in medical innovation. Through NIH, the federal government plays an irreplaceable role in supporting biomedical research that cannot be conducted by industry but is essential to for advancing medicine. More than 80 percent of the NIH’s budget supports research in all 50 states and D.C., as well as U.S. territories, at medical schools, teaching hospitals, universities, and research institutes, which often are among the largest employers in their respective communities. The attached fact sheet details the return on investment of NIH funding, as well as polling data demonstrating the public’s strong support for sustaining this investment.

I am grateful that Congress recently took steps to help NIH regain some of its lost purchasing power, after years of stagnant funding, by providing real funding growth over inflation with near unanimous approval of the 21^st Century Cures Act. However, the proposed FY 2017 appropriation threatens to undermine these key efforts. The budget ambiguity resulting from the current continuing resolution leaves the agency and researchers in limbo; worse, the prospect of a flat or reduced final budget not only would delay progress, but also could serve to discourage the next generation of scientists from careers in research.

As a constituent in your district I am asking that you look to renew bi-partisan support in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. To ensure America’s continued leadership in an increasingly competitive economy, and to alleviate suffering for millions of patients awaiting the promise of a healthier tomorrow, we must prioritize an NIH budget trajectory of sustained growth. We urge you to approve an FY 2017 appropriation of $34.1 billion for NIH without further delay and to ensure that NIH remains a top priority in FY 2018 and beyond.

Lastly, as a member of Congress, I urge you to protect the reputation of the U.S. by demanding that statements and actions of our government be based on empirical data.

Consider attaching links to the resources on our site to strengthen your position on a specific issue.

We also suggest that you contact your elected officials on a regular basis. Advocacy is all about developing relationships and these relationships can be with your representative or even their staff.

Be sure to visit the ORS Advocacy Day page for more letter writing tools!