ASHA-PAC Excellence in Advocacy Honor

Advocacy is how ASHA and affiliated state associations support and advance audiology and speech-language pathology in public policy, political action, and popular opinion. Recognizing that our members have the strongest voice when it comes to advocacy, ASHA-PAC has established the Excellence in Advocacy Honor.

The ASHA-PAC Excellence in Advocacy Honor recognizes ASHA members who have made significant contributions by engaging in political, professional, and/or grassroots advocacy activities that advance ASHA’s public policy priorities.

ASHA-PAC recognizes two honorees per year who embrace advocacy as part of their professional identities. A national honoree is recognized for advocacy work done at the national level and a state honoree is recognized for advocacy work done at the state or local level.

ASHA members play a critical role in identifying and nominating members to be considered for the ASHA-PAC Excellence in Advocacy Honor. The ASHA-PAC Board of Directors then selects recipients from the nominee pool.

Honorees are recognized at the ASHA-PAC reception during the ASHA Convention, where they are asked to provide short remarks about their advocacy work. They also receive a certificate and an award.

Honoree Requirements

Honoree must be an ASHA or NSSLHA member in good standing.
Honoree must have worked to advance ASHA advocacy efforts through (but not limited to) lobbying, issue engagement, issue awareness campaigns, and work with ASHA Advocacy staff.
Honoree is encouraged to engage with ASHA-PAC.

Nomination Guidelines and Required Components

Nominator is an ASHA member in good standing.
Self-nominations are allowed and encouraged.
Nomination questionnaire must be completed. (see ASHA-PAC Honoree Application below)
Nominations are open from March 1 to April 30, 2025.

What We're Looking For

There is no right way to advocate! Different issues require different kinds of advocacy that can range from speaking before Congress to discussing reimbursement policies with colleagues.

The ideal candidate for this honor will have demonstrated a commitment to the role of advocate as part of their professional identity; is collaborative, committed, compassionate, and knowledgeable; and has made significant, ongoing contributions at the national or state/local level.

For more information, contact Liz Best-Bradford at PAC@asha.org.