Fifty graduate students and psychologists-a record number!- were trained on how to speak with their legislator, informed about bills important to psychology and met with their representatives at OPA's Legislative Day on May 11, 2010. View scenes from OPA's Legislative Day.
OPA’s annual Legislative Day trains psychologists and graduate students about advocacy and forging relationships with legislators. More than 125 psychologists and graduate students have participated at previous OPA Legislative Days.
Held in downtown
Columbus within easy walking distance to
Ohio’s legislature, participants attend legislative committee meetings in the historic Ohio Statehouse, meet state senators in the Senate office building and meet their representatives in the
Riffe
Office
Tower.
Legislative Day is for those with no advocacy experience as well as and those who have participated many times. Newcomers learn how to use their positions as psychologists and constituents to make effective legislative visits. Members with prior experience delve into issues relevant to OPA and the practice of psychology, and talk about how to gain legislative support for these issues.
In the morning, guest speakers discuss politics, public policy and psychology. During the afternoon session, participants have the opportunity to meet with their elected officials and legislative aides.
Save the date! OPA’s next Legislative Day will be held May, 2011.