Continuing advocacy at home

Candid moments of Robert Graham Center's Advocacy Ambassadors and staff from RGC26.

Family physicians are trusted voices in their communities, and advocacy at home helps ensure the realities of patient care are reflected in health policy decisions.

Whether meeting with lawmakers, sharing stories online, or engaging in local events, every action helps strengthen the voice of family medicine.

  • Did you know?

    Lawmakers typically return to their home districts each August, making it an ideal time to advocate in person.

Why August Recess matters

Each August, members of Congress return home to connect directly with the communities they represent. For family physicians, this district work period offers one of the most important opportunities of the year to build relationships with lawmakers and elevate the voice of primary care.

Advocacy during August Recess is about more than policy. It is about ensuring that lawmakers hear directly from the physicians who care for patients every day.

This is your opportunity to:

  • Share stories from the front lines of care

  • Highlight the challenges facing patients and practices

  • Advocate for stronger primary care policies

  • Build lasting relationships with lawmakers and staff

  • Help shape the future of family medicine

No one can tell the story of family medicine better than the physicians and trainees living it every day.

August Recess advocacy challenge

The August Recess advocacy challenge is a nationwide advocacy scavenger hunt powered by the Scavr app. Designed to make grassroots advocacy interactive, engaging, and accessible, the challenge encourages family physicians, residents, and medical students to take action throughout the congressional recess period while competing in a little friendly competition along the way.

Participants can complete advocacy activities, submit photos or screenshots as proof, earn points, and climb the leaderboard while helping amplify the voice of family medicine nationwide.

  • Mark your calendar

    The challenge opens July 27, 2026, and closes August 31, 2026. Winners will be announced at the Q3 Advocacy Ambassador meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. Register for the meeting here.

Resources for meeting with lawmakers

Effective advocacy starts with preparation and confidence. AAFP resources are designed to help you build meaningful relationships with lawmakers and communicate the importance of family medicine in a compelling and impactful way.

Available resources include

  • A note on meeting requests

    Congressional offices often begin scheduling August recess meetings several weeks in advance. To maximize your chances of securing a meeting, the AAFP recommends sending meeting requests at least three weeks before your preferred meeting date.

Advocating for family medicine online

Advocacy does not only happen in meetings on Capitol Hill or in district offices. Every post, video, and shared story has the power to educate, inspire, and elevate the voice of family medicine.

Help amplify the impact of August Recess advocacy efforts by sharing your experiences online and encouraging others to engage.

Advocate for primary care year-round

Advocacy is not a single moment. It is an ongoing commitment to improving health care and strengthening the future of family medicine. Every email sent, every story shared, every meeting attended, and every action taken helps move family medicine forward.

There are many ways to stay engaged with AAFP advocacy efforts throughout the year, including:

When family physicians speak with one voice, lawmakers listen.

For questions regarding August Recess or other member advocacy resources, email grassroots@aafp.org.