Although I have always been interested in politics, the impetus I needed to become active in the 2008 campaign was attending AMPAC Campaign School in April 2007.  When Dr. Teresa Bratton filed to run for United States Congress from North Carolina's 6th District, I joined her steering committee.  Dr. Bratton, a pediatric-allergist, has worked on behalf of children and on environmental issues for many years.  However, with no prior campaign experience, no political war chest, no name recognition in the political arena, her challenge was huge since she was opposing a 12-term incumbent.
 
My major role was "event planning", including hosting a fundraiser in my home in June - "Doctors for Bratton".  I organized fundraisers and meet-and-greets in the homes of five physicians throughout our 6-county district.  These were not for physicians only, but we tried to contact as many medical families as possible.   I coordinated one other major fundraiser in September and organized poll workers for Early Voting and Election Day.  Because the campaign was such a grassroots effort, our small - but committed - team campaigned door-to-door, worked phone banks, delivered yard signs, worked at the polls...whatever was necessary.
  
Although the odds were not in Dr. Bratton's favor, she was an excellent candidate.   She didn't win, but her run for Congress brought attention to the need for affordable health care and for a healthy environment.   

The Belle Chenault Award for Political Participation recognizes an AMA Alliance member for outstanding accomplishment through volunteer activities in a political campaign or state ballot initiative.