NUSC 397: ISSUES IN NURSING PRACTICE Getting involved with politics…

Policy vs. Politics  Policy:  “formalized statement of committed direction” (Haynes, Butcher, & Boese, 2004”  “set course of action undertaken…to obtain a desired outcome” (Cherry & Jacob, 2005)  Politics:  process by which decisions (on policy) are influenced

Types of Policy  Public  Social  Health  Institutional  Organization  Personal

Policy Development  Policy may be developed at the local, state, or federal level.  It begins with a problem that is recognized by the public, defined, and analyzed in a societal context.  Support must be sought (I.e. special interest groups, legislators, etc.)  A bill, or a proposed legislative solution, is then drafted and will start the legislative process.  Involves the three branches of government: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

Grassroots  Activities done on the local level to influence politics.  Lobbying: providing policy makers with information on current issues. Goal is to give knowledge on which to base their decision on.

How to be an effective grassroots player…  Become familiar with the issues.  Become familiar with current and proposed changes in legislation.  Become familiar with the legislative process.  Become involved in professional organizations.  Identify and communicate with your legislators.

Ways to communicate with your legislators:  Personal visit  Written letter   Telephone call

Tips for communicating with your legislator…  Personal Visit  Make an appointment.  Research the issue as well as your legislator’s background and voting record.  Identify: yourself, your credentials, what organizations you belong to, and that you are a constituent.  Be clear about what you want to achieve at the visit; identify several key points of the issue you are discussing and stay focused.

Tips for communicating with your legislator…  Personal visit (cont…)  Be political; if possible discuss a connection between your request and the constituency the policy maker represents. (Cherry & Jacob, 2005); Offer additional assistance.  Listen and be responsive to questions.  Ask the legislator to support/not-support the issue at hand.  Say “thank you”  Follow up with a written “thank you” outlining your points.

Tips for communicating with your legislator…  Written Letter/  Research the issue as well as your legislator’s background and voting record.  One page; typewritten; proper grammar and spelling.  Use correct salutation and closing  Identify yourself, your credentials, and that your are a constituent.  State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. If it is in regards to a specific piece of legislation, identify the bill number.  Address one issue and outline specific key points. Personalize with own experiences if applicable.  Request a written response.

Tips for communicating with your legislator...  Telephone call  Identify yourself, your credentials and that you are a constituent.  Staff often answer the phone, so ask to speak with the person who is handling the issue you would like to discuss.  After introducing yourself (if transferred), give a statement of the legislation/issue you support or oppose.  If there is time, briefly state your reasons.  Ask the staff to please give the legislator your message and thank them for their time.  Request a written response (be sure to leave your name, phone number and address).