Encourage your organization's health care advocacy program by ensuring that the following steps necessary for a successful program have been taken:

• Staff is assigned responsibility and provided adequate resources for carrying out the advocacy plan.
• Staff works with general counsel or other appropriate contacts within the organization to ensure compliance with all IRS rulings on lobbying.
• The board is involved in the health care advocacy by staying informed of issues, reviewing advocacy plans, and participating in the program.
• The facility's U.S. representative and two senators have visited the facility or are planning to visit to discuss health policy issues.
• The facility has identified board members and others affiliated with the organization who have personal relationships with policymakers and those who have particular interests in health care policy.
• Information about health care policy issues and the facility's position and views are sent to local newspapers, diocesan papers, and other local publications.
• There is a facility-wide plan for generating letters and calls to members of Congress that can be implemented when needed.
• Facility leaders regularly speak to various community groups on health policy issues.
• Advocacy coordinators or members of the advocacy steering committee regularly monitor the advocacy section of CHA's website for the latest on public policy positions or actions taken by CHA on behalf of the ministry regarding legislation or regulations.
• Advocacy coordinators or members of the advocacy steering committee communicate with both their health system and with CHA on their advocacy efforts.
• Copies of your organization's community benefit report have been sent to federal and state legislators, and to other key policy makers.