b'YOUR ACADEMY AT WORKAdvocacy CornerThis new regular feature aims to share how the Academy is working to advocate on behalf of the specialty. Defining advocacy for a diverse membership is a difficult task but hearing from individual members about what they are doing to support periodontics helps provide a better understanding of this important concept. Dr. Natalie Frost from Nebraska shared her thoughts on advocacy.What does advocacy mean to you? for us pooling together information. I regularly visit these websites The definition of advocacy is toand fortunately also have personal contacts within regional/state support or recommend a cause.organizations to contact for guidance.To me, advocacy also means working selflessly to promoteHow can members become more involved with local advocacy?an idea, cause, or organization. Volunteer!!! Get outside your practice. Start with one group, something simple. Come engaged and motivated to participate. The rewards you What, if any, are localwill reap personally and professionally might surprise you!initiatives you participate in to advocate on behalf of periodontics? How does your work relate back to the larger scope of the AAP?I strive to remain involved with local/regionalBeing engaged within local groups also promotes many of the AAP goals: periodontal and non-periodontal societies. Doing1) Being a voice for periodontists promoting oral healthso facilitates connection to and support for all2) Championing member success and partnershipsdental colleagues. I volunteer with the Mission of3) Enhancing practice & patient careMercy, advocating the immense need for dental4) Using evidenced-based treatment, supporting ethical researchcare for the underserved and promoting oral5) Educating and disseminating knowledge to benefit of our specialty health. and public. What tools do you use when advocating onIf you would like to contribute to an upcoming edition of Advocacy behalf of periodontics? Corner, reach out to Amanda Williams, Manager of Governance and Being an ADA and AAP member, we have vastAdvocacy at amanda@perio.org resources. These parent organizations advocate AAP Periospectives| 20'