The MMA welcomes first-time delegates. Your participation is good for your own growth, good for the profession, and great for the health of Minnesotans.
As an MMA member, you can help set MMA policy by volunteering to serve as a delegate to the MMA House of Delegates.
Delegates attend the MMA Annual Meeting in the fall where they help set the MMA’s policy, priorities, and plan of action for the coming year. Delegates vote on resolutions and elect MMA officers. Delegates can also serve on a reference committee, where resolutions are considered and debated.
If you are interested in serving in the MMA House of Delegates, contact your component medical society or Vicki Wesling at the MMA at 612/362-3764 or vwestling@mnmed.org.
Serving as a delegate
Jo Ann Wood, M.D., says she was given the support she needed to be a first time delegate.
What does a delegate do at the MMA Annual Meeting?
Delegates gather at the House of Delegates at the MMA Annual Meeting. Their job is to be lawmakers for the MMA for one and a half days. They vote on all the resolutions calling for MMA actions or policies that are put forward by component medical societies, specialty societies, and individuals. In a typical year there are usually about 150 delegates. They consider about 50 resolutions, listen to testimony in committee hearings and vote.
Delegates may testify before these reference committees, in support or in opposition to resolutions. Delegates may also submit resolutions themselves, either as individuals or through their component medical society, specialty society, or section. On the final day of the meeting, delegates elect the officers for the year to come.
Does being a delegate really make any difference?
Yes. Delegates set the course of action for the MMA. Debating and voting for resolutions has a ripple effect, providing guidance to other leaders and opinion-makers, while improving the health of all Minnesotans.
So, how do I sign up?
Easy: Present yourself to your component medical society, specialty society, or section. A phone call will do it. If you don't have your CMS phone number handy, see our list at this link. Say, "I've never been a delegate before. But I want to get involved."
The good news is, every MMA member is one hundred percent welcome to take part!
Learn more about the Annual Meeting.