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General Information
Lobbying:
What It Is and Why Do It
Webster defines
lobbying as addressing or soliciting legislators
with the intent to influence legislation. It is
an integral part of the democratic process and
the formation of the laws of the land. Many professional
organizations have paid lobbyists to promote their
agendas, but it is still the individual nurse
that forms the grassroots of the profession and
whose voice has the greatest impact on legislators
and elected policy makers.
If nurses want
to be players in the field of setting health policy,
they must have knowledge of the political system.
They must understand how to access information
on nursing issues and how to present the facts
to elected officials. The art of lobbying, involves
knowing an issue that affects you and your patients
and then presenting the facts to your legislator.
This can be related to a bill, a policy or problem
you think warrants attention or a position statement
of the organization. Legislators are elected to
serve their constituents and they want your input.
They welcome first hand information from nurses
in their districts and most admit that they have
limited knowledge on health care issues.
Do not be intimidated
by the process. There are many resources and people
to assist you. It is fun and a real learning experience.
Mary Wakefield, an expert nurse in the political
arena states: "to run with the big dogs,
you have to get off the porch. Most of all, please
remember you, the nurse, can make a difference!
Reasons to Lobby
- Provide patient
advocacy
- Help shape health
care policy
- Promote a positive
image of nursing
- Increase your
knowledge of issues
- Support nursing's
agenda for health care
- Support nurse
friendly candidates
- Support SOHN's
issues and position statements
- Educate legislators
and their staffs about nursing and health care
Tips on How to Lobby
- Make an appointment
with the legislator's office staff. If possible,
confirm a day or two before.
- Know before
your visit exactly where you are going and how
to get there.
- Be prompt and
dress in a professional manner.
- Be prepared
and know your issue and/or bill number.
- Know who opposes
the bill and why.
- Have a fact
sheet and business card to give the person you
meet with.
- Introduce yourself
as an RN (LPN/LVN). Let them know where you
are from, your area of practice and, if relevant,
the group you represent.
- Be brief, concise
and organized.
- Focus on the
nursing issue and how it effects your patients
and practice. Relate this to personal experience,
but do not get angry or over emotional.
- Identify the
person in the office that you need to contact
for follow up.
- If you do not
know the answer to a question, say so and let
the person know you will find out and get back
to them. Then, be sure to do it. It is all right
to not know the answer. The important thing
is to always tell the truth!
- Thank the legislator/assistant
for their time. Offer to help them in the future.
- Follow up your
visit with a personal thank you letter. Again
briefly state your concern and the action you
hope will be taken.
- Smile, have
a good time and know you can make a difference.
Communication
- Your communication
will most likely be with the staff of the elected
official. Ask for the Government Relations Assistant
responsible for health care issues.
Telephone
Calls:
- A list of frequently
needed numbers is listed under "Links.
- Identify yourself,
state you are an RN (LPN/LVN), your hometown
or District and the bill/issue you wish to address.
- State your position
on the issue/bill, why you feel this way and
the way you hope the legislator will vote (if
your call is regarding a bill).
- Leave your name
and address and be sure to get the name of the
person to whom you are speaking.
- If possible,
follow up your telephone call with a letter.
Letters:
- A personal letter
is the most important piece of communication
a legislator receives. They do value hearing
from constituent nurses.
- Writing by hand
is acceptable and effective.
- Include your
name and address on the letter itself as well
as the envelope.
- Be brief, but
relate the issue to your experience and practice.
If relevant, state the effect it will have on
your patients.
- If you must
use a form letter, only use it as a guide and
personalize the letter to suit your feelings
and practice situation.
- Thank the person
for their time and service to their constituents.
E-mail:
- E-mail is a
valuable tool once you establish a relationship
with the Government Relations staff. It is best to have
your first communication through a telephone
conversation or written letter.
- Ask the Government Relations
assistant if this the way they would like to
communicate with you on nursing and health care
issues.
- Do not forward
"junk email to your Government Relations staff.
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