Advocacy Toolkit
Advocacy Infographics/Flyers
The following information provides resources on important advocacy topics supporting by SNOW
Every Child Needs a School Nurse
Find Your Legislator
How to Write a Letter to Your Legislator
Address the letter with proper titles:
- The Governor: “His Excellency Bob Ferguson.”
- The Lieutenant Governor: “The Honorable Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck”.
- Your state senator, state representative, U.S. Senator or U.S. Congressman: “The Honorable.”
Salutations: “Dear Governor, Senator or Representative…” Address: 110 Legislative Building, Olympia, WA 98504-0600
Helpful Hints:
- Clearly identify yourself as a school nurse and a constituent.
- Refer to the specific bill or act you are asking them to support.
- Provide concise reasons for your position.
- Include examples whenever possible to illustrate your points.
- Request a response to your message.
- When signing, include your full name, professional title, organizational affiliation, address, and phone number.
- Remember: A few contacts from constituents can significantly influence a legislator’s vote.
Sample Letter
The Honorable Representative/Senator: (Name)
Room (Room #) xxxxx
Dear Representative or Senator: (Name)
I am a school nurse who is concerned with the safety and health care of the children in Washington. Children attending schools today are faced not only with the usual common infectious diseases; they face the threat of other major health problems not always well understood by teachers, parents, and the communities. Special needs children integrating into the classrooms of every town have significant health and nursing needs. The administration of medication and monitoring their effects, coupled with the needs of children from dysfunctional families, further complicate the picture of school health.
Please watch for upcoming legislation for expansion of Chapter #, Section #, M.G.L. or bill #. We urge you to support an act/or Bill # of providing a minimum of one school nurse for every public and non- public school building in the Commonwealth.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Your name, RN (other credentials)
Address and telephone number
Telephone Protocol
Call 800-562-6000 to leave a brief message for your state Senator and Representatives.
- Hello, my name is:
- I live in (town):
- I am a school nurse in (school town):
- I am urging Senator/Representative to vote for (Bill # or Act#)