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Washington Watch

American Journal of Nursing - July, 2000 - Volume 100, Issue 7

Flex Your Political Muscle
Nurses at the grassroots of health care efforts

By Mary Marra

"I became a nurse so that I could make a difference. I am running for Congress for the same reason,” ANA member Gerrie Schipske, NP, said about her decision to become politically active. Schipske is running in the 38th District of California.

Indeed, poll after poll identifies nurses as the most trusted health care professionals. The public counts on nurses to be their advocates in a variety of areas, including in the political arena, where nurses have been successful in publicizing the need for safe, high-quality health care.

The best method for most nurses is through grassroots lobbying. These efforts by nurses on the frontlines of health care are most effective when the issue is personalized (for example, by relating to policymakers a story from your practice or by describing a patient’s situation). Don’t be overwhelmed or intimidated by the responsibility of being a grassroots lobbyist—elected officials must be accountable to their constituents. Here are some tips:

Research the issue.

Although you should emphasize your personal and professional experiences when lobbying policy- makers, they are motivated by facts. Research the issue, gather statistics, and arm yourself with data. If you’re lobbying for or against a particular piece of legislation, read the bill and make sure you know its number and title. Also, contact your professional association to obtain information that will assist you and to ensure that you’re supporting the same issue.

Focus your message.

Legislators and other officials are busy people. Make the most of your time with them by determining your main message before writing a letter or setting up a meeting.

Pick the best vehicle.

After you determine what you want to say, choose the best way to say it. This may include writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, contacting your lawmaker through a letter or via e-mail (send a copy to your professional association), attending a town meeting, or requesting a meeting with an official.

Emphasize your profession.

Being a nurse is a tremendous asset when participating in grassroots lobbying efforts for better health care. Use your credentials, and identify any professional association memberships. Always provide your address and phone number to legislators and their staff.

Get to know your lawmaker’s staff.

In many offices, especially on the federal level, staff members are an official’s primary resource.

Follow up with a thank you note.

This gives you a chance to reiterate your position. Send a copy of the note to your professional association.

Stay in touch.

Once you’ve made contact with your lawmaker, stay in touch by providing information on issues that concern you (becoming a resource to the legislative staff). If you’re interested, volunteer as a campaign staff member. Serving on a lawmaker’s health care committee can help build your own political résumé while advancing the profession legislatively.

“Lawmakers make many decisions that affect nursing. It’s vital that nurses educate representatives to ensure that the perspectives of our profession and our patients are heard and considered,” stated Cynthia Shaw Bunch, RN, a longtime volunteer lobbyist for the Nevada Nurses Association.

Bunch, who first became involved in lobbying over the increased use of unlicensed assistive personnel, is now a regular in the halls of her state capitol and is well known to her congressional delegation. “When I tell legislators that I am a registered nurse,” she pointed out, “I have instant credibility.”

The ANA’s Capitol Update can also serve as a resource to nurses. Published 20 times per year, Capitol Update provides the latest information on legislation and political activity affecting nurses and their patients. For subscription information, call (800) 637-0323.

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