The number one way for our members to affect the legislative process is to build good old-fashion relationships, or social capital, with elected officials to educate them on the different roles in nursing. Social Capital is the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society, enabling that society to function effectively.  When you build a relationship with your local elected officials, you are building social capital.

Legislators probably do not know why you chose to become a nurse, how much schooling and training you went through, the licensure requirements, or that you can and do much more than take blood pressure and administer medication. Building that relationship allows you the opportunity to educate the legislator about the different roles nurses have, as well as their expertise at the RN or APRN levels. 

It’s always best to build the relationship before you need to ask a legislator for a vote or for help on something. Social Capital works both ways—become a resource for them too! When elected officials get to know you personally, they are more likely to pick up the phone when you call, and equally important, they are more likely to pick up the phone and call you when they have a health policy related question. 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED