Advocacy

Advocacy at RIAFP

Advocacy is central to our mission. The RIAFP champions policies that strengthen primary care, support family physicians, and improve health outcomes across Rhode Island. We equip our members with the tools to make their voices heard—locally and nationally.

Family doctors taking a group selfie at the Rhode Island State House
Dr. Kate de Klerk stands with arms folded in front of a TV broadcasting her
Group of family doctors, mostly in white coats, pose with two Rhode Island State Senators
Four elected women senators and representatives listen at RIAFP Advocacy Day

 Getting Involved in Advocacy

Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned voice in policy, there’s a place for you. Join us in shaping the future of Family Medicine through hands-on opportunities to engage with lawmakers, testify on legislation, and represent your peers.

Local Legislative Advocacy


Join the RIAFP Advocacy Committee and learn more about local issues impacting healthcare and Family Medicine. We help members track legislation and make their voice heard at the State House about important bills.

The Advocacy Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30pm. Contact the Chair, Kate de Klerk, to be added to the Committee distribution list: katharina.deklerk@gmail.com.

Participate in Advocacy Day. Once a year Family Medicine doctors from across the state join together at the State House to talk to lawmakers about priority issues affecting our profession. Keep an eye on our “Events” page to find the details about this year’s Advocacy Day.

National Advocacy


Serve as a Delegate or an Alternate Delegate to the AAFP Congress of Delegates where you are able to shape AAFP policies and priorities.

Become an AAFP Advocacy Ambassador. Receive training and resources to facilitate building relationships with congressional leaders and other elected officials in order to advance Family Medicine priorities.

Participate in Speak Outs. These periodic emails allow you to easily, with one click, send an email to your elected officials about priority issues that impact Family Medicine.

Attend the Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS) in Washington D.C.. Receive in-depth training from AAFP staff to prepare you to meet with national policymakers in Washington D.C..

Attend the National Conference of Constituency Leaders (NCCL) in Kansas City. This conference brings together members of the five underrepresented constituencies (women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, international medical graduates, and new physicians) in Family Medicine and elevates their voices for change.

Three doctors holding a sign that says Rhode Island

Congress of Delegates (COD)


As AAFP’s governing body, the Congress of Delegates sets policy and guides the direction of the Academy. RIAFP sends delegates annually to represent Rhode Island physicians and ensure our perspectives are part of the national conversation.

Every summer the RIAFP hosts a hands-on “Resolution Writing Workshop” to help members understand the process of writing and submitting resolutions for the AAFP Congress of Delegates (COD). Resolutions to COD are your opportunity to help shape AAFP policy. To find out more, reach out the the Advocacy Committee Chair or keep an eye on your email inbox in early summer.