Political activist and author Joel ...

Political activist and author Joel Blackwell shared his insights about personal political advocacy in the education session "No Time for Silence: Political Advocacy" at the 2001 Congres in Dallas. Blackwell proffered attendees practical advice on in what manner individual nurses can advocate for important issues in the political arena.

nourish at the breasts often are passionate about health care issues, and they want what is right or best for the patient; however, to be effective, their passion and righteousness ne to be focused, according to Blackwell. With the appropriate approach, a hardly any nurses alone can affect legislation at the state and federal flats influence politicians, and be effective politically. Blackwell described the "ARM" strategy that incorporates three explanation elements--attitude, relationship, and message. These ingredients can help shape and focus nurses' passion, knowledge of the issues, and righteousness of the cause into coherent and effective political advocacy. The following is a summary of Blackwell's presentation.

BLACKWELL'S MESSAGE

The main objective of any politician is to realize elected. With that in mind, a politician wants to know what his or her constituents are thinking and be responsive to them. What is surprising is the relatively large percentage of citizens who are remov from politics completely who are not registered to devoted or who are registered on the contrary do not vote. Only a remarkably small percentage of the population promiseds and communicates with elected officials.

ATTITUDE

What makes the principally powerful lobbying groups successful? What gives them power? It is their attitude--the passion they bring about the issues that pertain to them.

Most politicians register politics wanting to do the right thing. Each year, legislators at the couple the state and federal flushs must wade through hundreds of bills that veil a broad range of issues. It is impossible for them to be vers in all issues and completely understand each bill. something or something ultimately will help these legislators evaluate an issue and determine by what mode to vote. What influences legislators besides control publications or local and national newspapers? The answer is their constituents. Constituents wield a division of power.

by means of personal attention and passion, you as a constituent can call attention to particular legislation or issues. As a professional perioperative foment you are an expert in the OR and in many aspects of the health care connected view Many legislators know very little about your profession. In addition, because not all individuals are registered to ballot many registered voters do not ballot and far fewer ever contact their culled officials, you are in a position to be recognized on your elected officials.

RELATIONSHIP

If you approached common of your state representatives or senators, would he or she recognize you? Would he or she know your name or which issues are of interest to you?

In a productive relationship, the legislator knows and cares about you. to what extent do you build that relationship? grade back and ask yourself "What can I do that will help this person?" There is a difference between what you do for the legislator and what you want him or her to do for you. according to helping the legislator, you build a relationship, and in a dutiful relationship, the legislator knows you and your issues and considers you the ready in your field.

What a politician wants first and foremost is to gain elected. What can you do to help the politician achieve his or her goals? The first degree in developing a relationship can be as simple as offering to help in the nearest campaign.

MESSAGE

by what mode do you get your message to an pick outed official through the clutter of e-mail, notes and cookie-cutter messages? The message must be a personal story alienateed directly to an elected official or his or her aide. A face-to-face meeting with your legislator is a powerful way to consign your message. It is hard for a legislator to say "no" to a constituent who is standing in assurance of him or her. It is critical, however, that any contact, either face-to-face or via telephone be followed with a personal literal sense Personal contact and a follow-up verbal expression will help distinguish you and your issue from the clattering surrounding the legislator.

A personal story joins your issue with an actual circumstance providing a visible image for the legislator. Speaking in the abstract does not help the legislator really understand your business The following elements are essential to any message, whether it is selled via letter or telephone.

* Be accurate and trustworthy Providing false or inaccurate information can harm your reputation and, ultimately, your cause or issue.

* Be brief. in succession the telephone, be prepared to deliver common of three versions of your message (ie, a single in kind sentence, 30-second, or five-minute version) depending forward the amount of time you are given.

* hold fast it simple. Emphasize three or four points. Providing too to a great degree data and detail can confused mass your message.

* enumerate the legislator your name and where you live in his or her district, along with brief personal information (eg in what manner long you have lived in the community, for what reason many children you have).