As a family physician, you have a pivotal role in the health care system.
As your academy, we want to equip you with the tools you need to advocate for your patients, practice and profession.
Here, you’ll find key resources to help you get involved, stay informed and act on the issues that matter most to you.
Family Medicine Advocacy Day
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
12:00 – 6:30 pm
St. Paul, MN
Make your voice heard—from the Capitol to the Academy.
Family Medicine Advocacy Day brings together Minnesota family physicians, residents + medical students for a day of advocacy, ideas + impact.
Join us for policy discussions, meetings with legislators and opportunities to help shape the MAFP’s priorities through the Resolution Forum. Come for whichever portion fits your schedule. The Resolution Forum will also be available online.
View the Family Medicine Advocacy Day schedule + registration.
The MAFP Resolution Forum, formerly the House of Delegates, is your opportunity to influence policies, priorities and the future of family medicine in Minnesota. Whether you’re submitting a resolution (policy guidance), sharing feedback, participating in discussions and/or voting on what action the Academy should take, your voice matters.
MAFP Legislative Priorities
The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) Board of Directors approved the following legislative priorities for 2026.
Primary Areas of Focus
where the MAFP takes a leading role
- Centering Primary Care in Health Care Reform and Advocating for Patient Access to Care
We are working to ensure that primary care and family medicine remain central to health care reform discussions. At a time when state and federal health care funding is shifting, the MAFP is the voice for family medicine, advocating for access to primary care for all Minnesotans. - Addressing Administrative Burden by Reforming the Minnesota Restricted Recipient Program (MRRP)
The MAFP will champion reforms to the MRRP that allow for greater flexibility and reduce administrative burden for primary care physicians while ensuring patients have access to coordinated care. - Expanding + Diversifying the Primary Care Workforce
We need more family physicians and other essential health care team members. The MAFP is advocating for investments in rural training tracks, grants to support medical education, loan forgiveness programs and wellness + mental health supports to grow and strengthen Minnesota’s primary care workforce.
Collaborative Areas of Focus
where the MAFP works alongside partners to advance shared goals
- Ensuring Vaccine Access + Coverage
We are advocating for continued vaccine access and coverage amid changing federal immunization recommendations. - Advancing Gun Violence Prevention
The MAFP supports common-sense firearm safety measures, including a statewide ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, safe storage requirements and the removal of the prohibition on local municipalities enacting stricter firearm regulations than the state. - Addressing Private Equity in Health Care
The MAFP is working with partners and members to better understand how private equity affects health care delivery and patient access.
Advocating for Greater Investment in Primary Care
Strong primary care leads to better health, better care and lower costs. To achieve this, Minnesota needs a system that is equitable, person-centered, team-based and community-aligned.
Since 2019, the MAFP and Minnesota Department of Health have convened a primary care stakeholder group to identify barriers, explore opportunities and develop recommendations. Read the report, “Investing in Primary Care: A Path Forward.”
We remain committed to advocating for greater investment in primary care and better health outcomes for Minnesotans—at the legislature and beyond.
Member Resolutions
Resolutions are written motions submitted by members to help guide the work of MAFP leadership and staff. They are a key tool for influencing priorities, sparking action and shaping advocacy efforts.
Explore adopted resolutions, access writing resources, learn about the resolution process and submit your own.
Advocacy Modules
In 2023, we created five online modules to help members strengthen their advocacy efforts. Modules include short videos, tips and links to additional resources.
Topics:
- Preparing for meeting with legislators.
- Getting an op-ed published.
- Creating an advocacy action plan.
- Using social media for advocacy.
- Helping shape MAFP’s work and policies.
Health Equity
The MAFP’s Health Equity Committee has curated resources/tools to help family physicians bridge gaps in patient care, promote health equity and address racism. Tools include a health equity lens, implicit bias training and more.
Advocacy Blog
Find state and federal legislative updates, invitations to act on proposed legislation, advocacy tools, clinical practice resources and family medicine voices.
Advocacy Resources
Advocacy Events
Attend an advocacy event, open to ALL members unless otherwise indicated. (See upcoming dates.)
- MAFP Intro to Advocacy
- Legislative Lunch + Physicians’ Day at the Capitol
- MAFP Resolution Forum (formerly House of Delegates)
- AAFP Family Medicine Advocacy Summit (FMAS)
Advocacy 101
The MAFP created online modules, which each include a video, tips and links to additional resources, to support members as they advocate across different mediums and settings.
Topics include:
- Preparing for Legislative Visits
- Getting an Op-Ed Published
- Using Social Media for Advocacy
- Making an Advocacy Action Plan
- Setting MAFP Policy/Direction via Resolutions
Access MAFP Intro to Advocacy modules/resources »
The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine also offers free advocacy modules online.
Health Equity
The MAFP’s Health Equity Committee has assembled resources/tools to support family physicians in bridging gaps in patient care, promoting health equity and addressing racism, including a health equity lens tool, implicit bias training and more.
Legislative Action
- Track legislation in Minnesota and contact Minnesota legislators.
- Track and understand federal legislation impacting family medicine and state legislation impacting family medicine, thanks to the AAFP.
- Contact Jami Burbidge, MAFP COO, to arrange a meeting with your legislators.
Use Your Voice
- Social media is a quick, easy way to get the attention of your legislators, colleagues and others on issues that interest you. Follow the MAFP’s advocacy conversations on Twitter using the hashtag #MAFPAdvocacy.
- Letters to the editor are a great way for you to bring attention to an issue—they will be noticed by legislators and policymakers. Use this letter to the editor template to help you organize your ideas.
- Reach out directly to your legislators. Check out the AAFP Speak Out system, which helps you message legislators. It’s quick and easy!
