Week of Action 2018The Washington State Association of School Psychologists Government and Public Relations Committee is proud to announce our second annual State Wide Week of Action February 12-16, 2018 This is an opportunity for school psychologists in the state to learn about advocacy at the state and federal level, as well as to earn 3 clock hours for continuing professional development on this critical topic. Participate in an online or in person training focused on advocacy in the state, and provide documentation that you have scheduled and participate in one meeting or activity with your representatives (in person in your local district, in Olympia, or on the phone) to earn these WSASP approved clock hours. Advocating for our profession happens at all different levels – from legislative action in Olympia to conversations with friends, colleagues and community partners. We hope you will join us to launch this new event! The Committee has put together daily actions for you to take, culminating in a “Hill Day” activity, where many members around the state will have meetings at local or Olympia legislative offices simultaneously to magnify our message. This week is a great opportunity to learn more about how advocacy works. We will provide all information and materials you will need at our Advocacy Action Center on the WSASP website, and with the training either online or in Tumwater on Friday from 9-10:30 am. IMPORTANT: Appointments with legislators need to be made in advance, so we are encouraging you to make contact now if you are considering participating. You can identify your local legislators and contact information here: http://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/.
If you plan to participate in this exciting event, please RSVP to your GPR committee by filling out this form with what training you will attend, Wednesday or Friday, as well as when your two meetings with legislators are scheduled. A link to the online training will be emailed to you once the form is completed.
See below for a brief description of each daily activity; resources and materials are coming soon. Monday: Send a letter to the editor advocating for the role of school psychologists! There is a pre-written letter to the editor about school psychologists here, or you can write your own. Tuesday: Tweet and use social media to advocate for education There are sample social media messages here, or you can write your own. You can also use NASP's new Infographics, here, to spread awareness on social media. Use the #NASPAdvocates on facebook and twitter. Wednesday: Email or call an elected official There is an email template or phone script here, or you can use the WSASP Advocacy Action Center to send pre-written letters on specific bills. Thursday: Schedule a presentation to your school board There is a sample statement you can read to your school board here, or you can create a more in depth presentation based on your specific district. You can also use resources from NASP on promoting the profession or use their infographics to educate your school board. Friday: Hill Day! Participate in a training on legislative advocacy online, or at WEA Chinook, in Tumwater to help you prepare for your meetings. Schedule an in-person meeting either in Olympia, or with staffers in your home districts. For more information, and details for each daily action, check this page. We would love to see the actions and activities you take part in! Share your activities with us on our Facebook Page, #NASPAdvocates, or on Twitter at @wsasp_media! Click here for a 1 page flyer for this event. |