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Getting involved with advocacy in the natural products and integrative health industries is easier than you think! People like you and me can have a voice at the highest levels through collaboration with industry organizations like the Natural Products Association (NPA) and the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).
Take Natural Products Day on April 18, 2018, for instance. 2018 marks the 21st anniversary of NPA’s Natural Products Day, which brings natural product industry leaders and advocates to Washington, D.C. In D.C., wellness advocates educate U.S. leaders on the importance of natural products in promoting the health of our society. ACHS President Dorene Petersen and CSO Erika Yigzaw attended in 2016, and you can read about their adventure of being lobbyists for the day here.
If you’re passionate about fair and increased access to holistic nutrition, wellness professionals, and natural products, it’s time to get involved! Our leaders need to hear from constituents (like you!) that these issues are crucial to a healthy, thriving society. Holistic health makes a difference in the lives of millions of Americans each year – it’s up to advocates like you and me to educate our leaders.
Ready to take action?! NPA provides training on how to lobby and arranges all meetings – you just have to get to Washington, D.C. Learn more and register online here.
Can’t make it to Washington, D.C. this year? Mark your calendar for Natural Products Day 2019, and make a plan to become an on-the-ground advocate next year.
In the meantime, learn from and get connected with these organizations to start sculpting your health advocacy muscles:
American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) & The Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
For over 30 years, the AHPA has been a leading trade association for herbal products and the voice of the herbal products industry. AHPA has over 350 company members, which include growers, processors, marketers, manufacturers, and more across the herbal industry. AHPA’s mission is, “to promote the responsible commerce of herbal products to ensure that consumers continue to enjoy informed access to a wide variety of herbal goods.”
The CRN was founded in 1973 and is leading the charge in representing dietary supplement and functional food manufacturers and food suppliers. The CRN and its members are committed to “improving public health through nutrition, including the appropriate use of dietary supplements and functional food.”
How YOU can get involved: For 2018, AHPA has partnered with the CRN for a full day of lobbying in Washington on June 21. AHPA and CRN are bringing issues like creating provisions for flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds to be used toward dietary supplements. They’ll also be advocating for the Botanical Sciences and Native Plants Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act. Learn more online here.
How to Make an Impact In Your Community
In addition to keeping up with national trends in health and wellness regulations, you can get involved right in your own community by connecting with your local representatives and finding out what’s happening in your own state.
ACHS supports the Council of Holistic Health Educators, a collaboration of wellness educators and professional organizations committed to protecting and growing the practice of holistic health. Subscribe to the Council’s action alerts and get legislative updates for your state online here.
Want to do more? Jump on Facebook or Instagram and tell us how you plan to get involved, and we’ll help you connect with your local representatives and learn more about advocacy in the health and wellness industry! Use hashtags #achsedu or #achsallstars.
Launch into the herbal and natural products community through education! Learn more about natural product creation, wellness advocacy, and more in our Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am the Chief Operating Officer of American College of Healthcare Sciences, the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
