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On Tuesday, March 28, psychologists convened in Columbus to hone their advocacy skills and put them to good use during the second annual OPA Legislative Day.

The day began with a workshop given by David Hill, PhD, APA Practice Organization’s Government Relations Field Director for the Midwestern states. He presented key strategies for effective legislative advocacy. Chief among these was the importance of building relationships with senators and representatives, as these relationships facilitate open lines of communication with legislators about important issues that directly affect the field of psychology. Dr. Hill reminded participants that psychologists are experts in matters related to mental health issues, and it is their responsibility to advocate for issues that will affect their clients and profession.

Technology has made it easier than ever to contact our state senators and representatives and stay abreast of legislative issues. This was highlighted during the workshop by Denise Brenner, director of operations and member services, as she spoke about the OPA’s CapWiz. One can access information about legislative issues and contact legislators by logging onto www.ohpsych.org. Dr. Hill also demonstrated how the APA practice portal, www.apapractice.org, can provide easy access to advocacy materials and contact information for federal legislative efforts.

Charleta Tavares, Columbus city councilwoman and former state representative, gave a rousing talk about the importance of meeting with legislators to discuss important policy issues. Following her presentation, she and OPA president-elect David Hayes, PhD, ABPP, demonstrated how to be successful in face-to-face meetings with legislators through role-play exercises.

Following the morning workshop, the more than 25 psychologists and students headed for the Statehouse to meet with their senators and representatives. On the agenda was a discussion about supporting a more comprehensive mental health parity bill and opposing the consolidation of regulatory boards. Student participants also shared information about their extensive graduate school training and how research informs their application of clinical interventions. State legislators were receptive and open to the OPA participants and most promised to make themselves available in the psychologists’ districts for further meetings.

The second annual Legislative Day was a great success. For some, this day marked the first visit to a legislator's office. For more seasoned legislative advocates, this day was a continuation of past efforts and they were welcomed by familiar faces. A visit to a legislator’s office is an important part of advocating for the field of psychology and in building key relationships with our elected officials.

If you missed OPA Legislative day and would like to become involved in advocating for our clients and our profession, contact Bobbie Celeste, PhD, OPA Director of Professional Affairs.

Click here for a wrap-up of the 2005 Legislative Day