Grassroots Events 101

Grassroots does not mean gardening. A grassroot event simply means it is local. An MDA grassroot event is a meeting of MDA dentists with their local state representative or senator. These events are key to help inform Michigan legislators to the needs of dentistry. The goal of grassroot events is to drive change from the local level. While local level issues may not make prime time television, the likelihood of your words having impact and making a change is much greater at the local level.

Luckily, the MDA has Lynn Aronoff to help coordinate these events. When she has coordinated a time with a state legislator in West

“Present day government is very complex with many competing views and agendas. It is important that we let our voices be heard, but also understand how other perspectives may be different. Usually those with the loudest voices get their way – not always the best policy.”

— Dr. Brad Dykstra

Michigan, she will send an email inviting MDA members in that district to attend. I strongly encourage everyone to attend. No experience in politics is necessary. As an MDA dentist your job is to let the legislator know how they can support you and your patients. Lynn will help prepare you ahead of time with various talking points, and she helps guide the conversation on the day of the event.

On Friday, May 27th, 2022, a grassroot event was held with Senator Mark Huizenga. Senator Huizenga is a supporter of organized dentistry. Here is what some of your colleagues who attended had to say about the event.

“You don't have to have any lobbying experience to be an advocate, and forming relationships with lawmakers is beneficial both to you and the profession. It can be intimidating but most of them are eager to learn and to meet constituents.”

— Dr. Chris Powell

From L to R: Neema Katibai, Dr. Gary Scott; Dr. Chris Powell, Senator Huizenga, Dr. Brad Dykstra, and Dr. Chris Smiley