2nd Annual Grassroots Innovator Awards- the finalists

It's officially awards season in Hollywood- and we're following suit at the American Heart Association! We're just days away from announcing the winner of our 2nd Annual AHA Grassroots Innovator Award. But first, you'll need to hear from the finalists. Then- be sure to cast your vote for the winner right here on the Let's Talk Grassroots blog.

If you missed the finalists' presentations- you can access a recording by calling (866) 609-5877. Conference ID: 3774314, Participant Passcode: 8876228

The finalists are...

Melissa Brown (GRA): Faced with declining email open rates and little indication of why, Melissa and her advocacy colleagues in the Great Rivers Affiliate developed a survey to gather more information from their advocates. They used two sets of questions- a more detailed questionnaire for their most active advocates and a shorter survey for their mid-level advocates. They intend to use the survey results to shape future grassroots messaging.

Allyson Frazier (FDA): As a prominent advocate prepared to receive an award at the Boston Heart Ball, Allyson and her colleagues seized the opportunity to raise the profile of advocacy with the Heart Ball audience. In addition to heightened exposure to advocacy messaging, attendees were invited to record video messages that were later delivered to state legislative offices in support of AED legislation.

Julie Archila (GSA): In need of a way to visually represent the wide support for an increase in Florida's tobacco tax, Julie worked with Florida Advocacy Director James Mosteller and coalition partners to collect pictures from supportive volunteers. The photos were posted to a Google Map, and the link to that map was shared with lawmakers- putting a face on the support for this bill.