made me feel like was making a difference. This statement from a pharmacy student crystallized the recent Pharmacists' Society of the State of New York (PSSNY) 2001 Pharmacy Day and provides further evidence of the strong interest students have in grassroots activity. Hundreds of students from the Albany College of Pharmacy, the State University of New York-Buffalo School of Pharmacy, the St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Allied Professions, and the Long Island University (LIU) Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences joined practicing pharmacists at the state capital in Albany recently to lobby state legislators for passage of bills of interest to pharmacy. Some schools of pharmacy gave students the day off from classes to allow them to attend. PSSNY's local affiliate chapters, along with the schools, provided bus transportation to Albany from across the state. The experience was an eye-opener for many students who had never seen lobbying up close. It was quite a sight to see so many students in their white lab coats in a single senator's office. This year, many bills were introduced in the two houses that could significantly impact pharmacy practice in New York. A packet outlining PSSNY's position on each bill was presented to each legislator. Students focused on allowing pharmacists to administer influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. They also discussed designating pharmacists as specialists, which would allow them to order tests, administer vaccines, and adjust medication doses. Students and pharmacists educated legislators about the positive impact that pharmacists could make on patients' health if allowed to provide immunizations, explaining that the safest and most practical method to increase immunization rates among senior citizens and minorities-who currently have low immunization rates in the state-is to enable pharmacists to immunize. Students also informed legislators about the extent and level of their pharmacy education. Currently, Buffalo is the only school of pharmacy in New York State that includes immunization certification as part of its curriculum. Secondprofessional-year students from the school shared the knowledge they gained from taking the APhA immunization certification course and explained to the legislators that if a bill is passed, they will have the necessary training and certification to administer adult immunizations. Most students had never visited their representatives before taking part in PSSNY's Pharmacy Day. Many found it to be a valuable and rewarding experience. one firstprofessional-year student said, was cool for all of us to be in Assemblyman Tokasz's office and to tell him why he should vote for [these bills]. will definitely go again next Some students were surprised by legislators' lack of knowledge regarding pharmacy issues. One student who was lobbying for the first time remarked, I cannot believe how little they know about our bills. It is amazing. is why it is so important that we go, another student responded. According to Bishoy Luka, president of pharmacy student government at LIU, students take great pride in participating in Pharmacy Day. As student leaders, we must encourage our fellow pharmacy students to join this battle. In terms of our profession, it is a very significant day . We get to speak about professional issues concerning our field, which not only broaden our scope of practice but more importantly, enhance patient care, Luka said. As for the many pharmacists who are on the frontline fighting for [pharmacy bills], we look at them with great admiration and salute them for their support and encouragement. It is this support that we must elicit from the next generation of pharmacists. A lot of pharmacy students think that to lobby, you have to like politics. That is just not true. We love pharmacy, that is why we lobby each year. We know what a difference pharmacists can make if they are given a chance, and we all want to make sure we have a say in how the profession is practiced.