This guide is designed to help Urgent Care leaders engage in effective grassroots Advocacy.
Use the sections below to choose how you want to engage, then download the tools you need
Hosting local activities is one of the most effective ways to build relationships and educate policymakers about Urgent Care in a real, tangible way. Use the options below to choose what fits your team and timeline, then download the printable guide to run it smoothly.
A Center Tour, or Site Visit, is one of the highest-impact grassroots Advocacy activities. It gives lawmakers and staff a real look at how Urgent Care operates, who you serve, and why access to timely care matters in their community.
A Patient Roundtable is a structured listening session where patients share their experiences accessing care. It’s a strong option when you want patient voices at the center, without needing a full site tour.
Community events are a low-pressure, high-visibility way to build relationships. Whether you’re hosting a booth or partnering with a local event, this is a great way to engage lawmakers while reinforcing Urgent Care as a community resource.
Patient newsletters are a simple way to reinforce what Urgent Care is, when to use it, and why timely access matters, without getting into political or legislative messaging. This is an easy “set it and reuse it” tool.
A press conference can be useful when there is a clear, timely reason to engage local media and the broader community. This format should be used selectively (and with tight preparation) so the message stays focused and professional.
Direct meetings with lawmakers and their staff are structured conversations that allow Urgent Care leaders to explain local challenges, share patient perspectives, and build ongoing relationships. You don’t need to be a policy expert! Preparation, clarity, and follow-through are what make these meetings effective.
Email the office scheduler or health staffer (district or DC office). Look on their website for contact info, or reach out to UCA for help.
Call the office if email goes unanswered
Be clear you are a local Urgent Care provider and want to be a resource
Offer flexible timing and a few options
Virtual, district, and DC meetings are all valuable
Confirm who will attend on both sides
Decide 1–2 core messages (don’t try to cover everything)
Assign a lead speaker and a backup
Prepare one short patient example (no identifiers)
Contact UCA Advocacy for updated leave-behinds and current talking points
Start with introductions and gratitude
Speak plainly (avoid acronyms and jargon)
Focus on what you see in your community every day
Keep answers concise and stay nonpartisan
If you don’t know something, say you’ll follow up (then make sure you follow up in a timely manner).
Send a thank-you email within 24–48 hours
Reference something specific from the meeting
Provide requested follow-up information promptly
Share a brief recap with UCA Advocacy (who attended, what was discussed, next steps)
Social media is optional. Only post if appropriate and keep it nonpartisan
Avoid policy specifics or “asks” in posts
News releases should be used selectively and coordinated (especially if media is involved)
When in doubt: keep it simple
UCA Advocacy updates leave-behind materials and talking points regularly. Reach out before meetings to make sure you have the most current resources.
Consistent national messaging helps policymakers clearly understand Urgent Care’s role in access, cost-effective care, and the broader healthcare system. Use these themes as your foundation, then layer in your local experience.
Note: Leave-behinds and meeting talking points are updated frequently.
Contact UCA Advocacy before meetings to ensure you’re using the most current materials.
Questions, upcoming meetings, or planning a local activity? We’re here to help you coordinate and show up prepared.