POLICY

MACH operates with a phased strategy designed to build momentum and deliver results over time. Phase I focuses on awareness and agenda-setting, uniting partners, gathering data, and elevating the issue through targeted advocacy and media. Phase II drives policy wins, including the passing of the ACES Act, by mobilizing coordinated grassroots pressure and engaging key congressional champions. Phase III turns legislative victories into lasting change—supporting implementation, monitoring outcomes, and pushing for follow-on reforms that improve aircrew health long-term. Each phase builds on the last, ensuring sustained impact beyond a single campaign.

THE SEARCH FOR CAUSALITY
THE ACES ACT HR530/S201
ROTARY WING CANCER STUDY
HIGH G REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY
MACH ROADMAP PHASE II & III

MACH ADVOCACY CHECKLIST

PREP BEFORE YOU REACH OUT

  • Own your story – be ready to share personal, authentic experience.

  • Study key 1-pagers – until you can explain the data and big ideas.

  • Craft a 30-second elevator pitch: State the aviator-cancer problem →  add 1-2 medical/scientific factoids → show how the bill fixes it → close with “Will you support this bill?”

MAKING FIRST CONTACT

  • Email or text to request a meeting with:

    • Local (“back-home”) district office staff

    • Capitol Hill Legislative Director (LD) or Veterans-Affairs staffer

  • Best rapport = face-to-face; if impossible, use Zoom/Teams (good connection & patience required).

WHERE AND WHO TO MEET

  • Start locally; every lawmaker has at least one in-district office.

  • If your Rep/Senator sits on House or Senate Veterans Affairs committees, in-district meetings can carry extra weight.

  • In DC, target the LD and Veterans-Affairs staffer — they shape the boss’s legislative stance.

DURING THE MEETING

  • Deliver your 30-second pitch, then listen-silence invites useful questions.

  • Do NOT advise on budget trades; CBO owns cost estimates.

  • Seek tacit commitment (“intent to vote YES”).

AFTER THE MEETING

  • Email a brief recap to the MACH team to flag any Capitol-Hill follow-ups.

  • Maintain the relationship (occasional updates, gratitude, answers to follow-up questions).

MINDSET AND ETHICS

  • Anchor your why (personal experience, altruism, honoring a friend) to stay motivated.

  • Sprint wisely—advocacy is a marathon; patience and persistence win.

FIND MY REPRESENTATIVE
FIND MY SENATORS