As a freshman in high school, I wanted to look like Farrah Fawcett. I got the haircut but twice-a day-swim practice and my severe lack of hair-styling knowledge left me looking less Farrah and more mop top. I also wanted to go to homecoming, to join student council. I wanted to be in the cool kids’ club and was convinced I was the only person in my world not doing those things.
In reality, we know most freshmen aren't part of the cool kids’ club. We’re all just hoping we’ll be included. Some people jump right into an organization without fear or hesitation, meeting
new people and signing on to leadership positions. Then there are people like me, who sometimes feel like the person on the sidelines waiting for an invitation.
The TMA Alliance is a membership organization and, as such, it is imperative we extend the invitation to join. We must reach out and make the ask to join us. This ask – this targeted invitation – is the heart of our Plus 1 membership campaign. Each of us can probably share a story of how we became part of the alliance that starts with someone specifically asking us to join them at lunch, to serve our community, or to participate in First Tuesdays. They pulled us from the sidelines and asked us to be their Plus 1.
Each time you ask another member of the Family of Medicine to join the alliance,
to become your Plus 1 to the party of medicine, you increase our numbers, as well as our reach and influence. If each of you brings one new member to the alliance, we will double our membership. This means more physician families across the state are supported. It means we have more manpower to serve our communities through outreach and more voices to support medicine at the Capitol. ONE is not such a hard ask – though with all of us together, ONE is a very powerful number. You’ve all RSVP’d yes to the alliance and I ask you to think about this … Who is your new Plus 1?
The 2025 Plus 1 membership campaign is underway. If you’ve already renewed or joined, thank you. Email and mail notices will continue through March 2025. If you haven’t renewed yet, consider making it easier in subsequent years by checking the Automated Dues Renewal box on the renewal form.
If you’ve already renewed, it’s time to find your Plus 1. With this year’s focus on the Power of One, TMAA encourages each member to recruit at least one member. A personal, one-to-one ask is the best recruitment strategy so continue sharing what the alliance means to you, even if you’ve shared before. A new TMAA swag item is in store for anyone who recruits a first-time member or brings back someone whose membership had lapsed since 2022 or before. A few things to note:
If you participate in autorenewal, you should already have received an email. Credit cards were run Oct. 2. If payment didn’t go through (e.g., the card on file had expired), charges will automatically run again on Nov. 2 so make sure TMAA has current credit card information.
When you renew, take a moment to check your contact information in your TMAA profile. Be sure we have your email address so you keep up with alliance news through the TMAA Monthly Memo.
First-time members need to have a record established in the TMAA database before they can pay their dues. To start the process, they can click the “Join Now” button on the TMAA website.
The TMA Alliance Enrichment Series is returning! These online sessions, via Zoom, bring great speakers to you in the comfort of your home. Doreen Steenland, RN, a Mindful Leadership Coach and med spouse, will kick off the first session on Nov. 12 from 7-8:30 pm with “Thrive Through Transitions: Mastering Change with Confidence.” Doreen’s interactive, experiential session will help you better cope with significant life transitions – a new role, a new season of parenting, empty-nesting, caregiving, retirement, or just a shift in your routine. RSVP to receive the Zoom link.
Up next: “TMA’s 89th Legislative Update: Wins and What’s on the Horizon”with Clayton Stewart, TMA’s chief lobbyist, on Dec. 5 at noon.
It’s Time to Party!
A great way to gear up for the upcoming legislative session is to host a party of medicine. Simply invite alliance members into your home to let them learn how they can amplify the voice of medicine through legislative advocacy. And while you’re making your guest list, be sure to include potential alliance members and their spouses. A party of medicine event can be a great member recruitment tool.
The Tarrant County Medical Society Alliance will host its first party of medicine in November. TMAA President Jenny Shepherd and her husband John Shepherd, MD, who both serve on the TEXPAC Executive Board, will explain to guests why their story, presence, and TEXPAC involvement is vital for medicine. Members also will be invited to share their advocacy experiences, such as attending First Tuesdays at the Capitol.
If you want to plan an event and are unsure how to start, contact TMAA.
Applications Accepted for Medical Community Grants
Local alliances can apply for a medical community grant from the TMA Foundation until Nov. 15. Matching grants of up to $7,500 are available for local health improvement and education projects, with funds awarded in February 2025. The Nueces and Tarrant alliances received grants for 2024. Log into the TMAF Grant Portal to start the two-step process, beginning with a Letter of Inquiry.
Jump-a-Thon Improves Health, Builds Relationships
By Rebecca Garcia, Brownsville Alliance President
The Brownsville Medical Alliance (BMA) hosted its 5th Annual Jump-a-Thon at the Brownsville Sports Park community gym on Aug. 2. This fun-filled, health and fitness event was free for children enrolled in the city park’s summer program. This event has proven to be a significant initiative in our ongoing effort to fight childhood obesity and to promote literacy, with the goal of fostering goodwill and strengthening bonds between the medical community and area residents.
We welcomed local leaders, elected officials, physicians, TMAA members, and the Cameron-Willacy County Medical Society. Their presence was a testament to the positive impact we can achieve, showcasing unity and collaboration. Notable attendees included Sen. Morgan LaMantia, Rep. Janie Lopez, Mayor Jeff Cowen, and candidate Jonathan Gracia. A highlight was when Mr. Gracia challenged Sen. LaMantia and Mayor Cowen to a jump-off, adding to the fun and lively atmosphere.
Our medical and community sponsors provided overwhelming support. Local physicians and alliance members donated 27 bicycles as raffle prizes, while Hooked for Life, a repeat sponsor, donated more than 50 fishing poles. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces as they won was priceless. CWCMS graciously again provided back-to-school supplies for 200 children, with any remaining school supplies donated to a local elementary.
BMA contributed books through Texas BookShare and helmets through Hard Hats for Little Heads, along with health-related pamphlets, jump ropes, and a bicycle. In addition, each child received sunscreen, a water bottle, and a backpack from local sponsors.
BMA takes pride in making the children feel special, inspiring us to continue our work to better our community. The Jump-a-Thon is more than an event; it is a testament to the Brownsville Medical Alliance's unwavering commitment to the community.
Texas Medical Association, 401 W. 15th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States, 5123701300
