This is an opportunity for school psychologists in the state to learn about advocacy at the state and federal level. Advocating for our profession happens at all different levels – from legislative action in Olympia to conversations with friends, colleagues, and community partners.

The WSASP GPR Committee has put ideas for daily actions for the week, culminating in “Hill Day” activity where many WSASP 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. 

Below, you will find all information and materials you will need. 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 using the District Finder.

Here are some actions for you to take part in each day:

Monday, February 24:  Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, school newspaper, or school newsletter, advocating for education and the roles of school psychologists! Click here for a draft letter to use as a template.

Tuesday, February 25:  Make your voice heard!  Go to the NASP Advocacy Action Center to contact your federal representatives on important national issues. To get the word out, you can also post on social media.  Here are some sample statements:

• Stand up for Washington’s students! Support legislation placing one school psychologist in every school in Washington! #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

• School psychologists help children overcome barriers to learning so they can be successful at school, home, and throughout life. Please support appropriate school psychologist staffing ratios so we can be even more effective! #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

• Stand up for Washington’s students by supporting mental health services in schools. Please support legislation that will strengthen the work of school psychologists! #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

• Stand up for Washington’s students by supporting legislation to promote increased access to school-employed mental health professionals so children get the help they need to learn and graduate. #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

• School psychologists provide essential services to staff and students every day.  Please support legislation providing National Board Parity for Nationally Certified School Psychologists. #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

• School psychologists provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds. Please support policies that help my students succeed! #FindYourFocus #NASPadvocates #WSASPadvocatestoo  #waedu #waleg #waelex

Wednesday, February 26:  Speak up on important issues!  Phone your elected officials to speak to your legislator or one their staffers directly! Use the District Finder to identify your state legislators and obtain their contact information. Click here to see a draft phone script to address WSASP priority legislation.  Or, attend a school board meeting to speak about what is means to be a school psychologist in your district.  You can see a sample statement here. 

Thursday, February 27:  Email your local legislative officials! Click here to see an email to your legislators to address WSASP priority legislation.

Friday, February 28:  Meet with your legislators either in Olympia, or with staffers in your home districts. Members of your GPR committee will be meeting with legislators in Olympia on this day; email gpr@wsasp.org to participate with them!

In addition to the above activities, please make a commitment to talk to one person this week about your role and the impact you make on the climate and culture of your schools.

At the end of the week, complete this form to share your actions, and to enter a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card!   

We would love to see the actions and activities you take part in! Share your activities with us on social media with the hashtags #NASPAdvocates and #WSASPAdvocatestoo and by posting on our Facebook Page, or on Twitter at @wsasp_media! With many thanks for your participation, we look forward to seeing you! Please email gpr@wsasp.org if you have any questions. 

Your WSASP GPR Committee