Nebraska Legislative Advocacy Who’s Telling Our Story? Hello! NSPA Legislative Consultant NASB Associate Executive Director, Director of Government Relations Hello! Katie Bevins NSPA Past President & Government and Public Relations Liaison

3 Advocacy = Storytelling There is a story being told about you, your motives, and your actions. Who is sharing our profession’s narrative? ◈ Our mission ◈ Our intents ◈ Our vision ◈ Our goals Are school psychologist’s sharing this narrative, OR…. Politicians

6 Special Interest Groups

7 What are the stories being told about special education and mental health services in schools? “ “Mental health services do not belong in schools”

“We need stronger discipline. Out of control kids should be removed from school.”

“Counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, what’s the difference?” If you are not at the table, you are on the menu! Relationships are what make the legislature work

“No one will care what you know until they know who you are.” Have the relationship before you need it! When do you reach out? When a problem arises? Don’t wait to change the narrative, WRITE the narrative You have a story...Share it! Lobbying vs. Sharing solutions, ideas, experience. Be the EXPERT in your school district and community! Your VOICE as a professional Strategies Remember ◈ Invite them to see what ◈ Legislators care about you do your opinion ◈ Introduce them to ◈ You are influential in others your community ◈ Promote them for ◈ You have expertise to engaging with you share and understand ◈ Make an appointment the impact of policy ◈ Give examples of decisions successes Your VOICE as a NSPA member Legislative Session Year Round ◈ Get familiar with key ◈ Reach out to Senators legislation ◈ Attend work group ◈ Get the word out to sessions members ◈ Partner with others: ◈ Letter writing: NASES, SSWAN, Support, against, NSCA, informational Commissioner's Office ◈ Testify on bills in on key issues committee 101 Education Committee

Mike Groene

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Lou Ann Linehan Dave Murman

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Patty Pansing Brooks [email protected] [email protected] Health and Human Services Committee

Sarah Howard John Arch

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Ben Hansen Dave Murman Lynne Walz [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Matt Williams [email protected] Lawmaking in Nebraska Q&A And a bit about MIPS and Licensure Thanks! Any questions? You can find us at [email protected] Credits Special thanks to all the people who made and released these awesome resources for free: ◈ Presentation template by SlidesCarnival ◈ Photographs by Unsplash