Governmental Relations
Speak Up! Your voice in Springfield.
Speak Up! is the ICS legislative action guide - the tools and resources Illinois chiropractic physicians need to participate confidently in the legislative process.
"Speak Up!" is an Illinois Chiropractic Society publication that serves as our legislative action guide for members. With the exception of "How a Bill Becomes a Law," produced by the State Legislative Research Unit, all the materials here within were created in house, using the best information available to us.
It is our goal to provide our doctors with the tools and resources to be able to approach participation in the legislative process. The ICS is not a single-issue organization. Our own doctors may have varying opinions on what issues are the most pressing, and we need to manage our resources to best represent the profession as a whole. Above all, it is important to remember that we are all representing the profession and need to conduct ourselves in the most professional manner possible.
Always be polite, be honest, and remember that goals are achieved by working with the process, not by simply making the most noise.
How to advocate
Four skills every advocate needs
Start here - the fundamentals of approaching, contacting, and building relationships with your elected officials.
1
How to Approach
Introduce yourself, be thoughtful, be factual - and the things you should never do.
Read the guide2
How to Make Contact
Email, phone, letters, office visits, and fundraisers - and when each works best.
Read the guide3
How to Write a Letter
Letter-writing best practices, plus the exact address format for the Statehouse.
Read the guide4
Know the Official
Advocates, allies, opponents, and staff - know your audience before you speak.
Read the guideThe issues
Issue-by-issue talking points
What to say when the conversation turns to the issues shaping chiropractic in Illinois.
Scope of Practice
View talking pointsPatient Access & Insurance Providers
View talking pointsOpioid Epidemic
View talking pointsWorkers' Compensation
View talking pointsStudent Concussion Protocols
View talking pointsInsurance Co-Payment Limitations
View talking pointsMedicare vs. Medicaid
View talking pointsReference materials
Downloads for your next conversation
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Produced by the State Legislative Research Unit - the process from introduction to the Governor's desk.
Download PDFGovernor's Proclamation
The State of Illinois proclamation recognizing the chiropractic profession.
Download PDFUnderstanding the Importance
More on why legislative participation matters for every chiropractic physician.
Download PDFEvery voice counts
Goals are achieved by working with the process.
Pair your voice with support for the candidates who understand chiropractic's issues.

