The MSPA Legislative Committee works year round on:
~Grass roots advocacy to promote school psychology
~Monitoring bills that impact all aspects of education
~Introducing and advocating for legislation to improve the practice of school psychology in Maryland
~Working with legislators in Annapolis
To learn more information about getting involved with the MSPA Legislative Committee please contact us directly:
Legislative Chair - Kyle Potter, legislative@mspaonline.org
Legislative Co-Chair - Alli Jacobus, legislative.cochair@mspaonline.org
Advocacy Liaison - Audrey Potter, advocacy@mspaonline.org
Key Dates:
January 8, 2020 - First day of the Legislative Session
January 9, 2020 - MSPA Legislative Committee Legislative Breakfast
April 6, 2020 - Last day of the Legislative Session
Grassroots Advocacy Tips!
Before sitting down to talk with or write to your legislator be sure to:
Gather the facts on the issues you want the legislator to support.
It is often a game on numbers for legislators so prepare statistics and data that show how they can impact a large group within their district.
Gather information to help the legislator connect to the issue.
By putting names and stories to the data regarding your issue the legislator will be better able to make a connection the concern.
Customize your message to the legislator.
When you review your legislators biography online it gives you the opportunity to learn things about them that you can connect with on a person level or relate to yourself.
Provide the legislator with information so they value your vote.
If you tell your legislator that you affiliate with the same party (if it is true), that you are a constituent either by where you live or work, how many people in your home vote in their district, and your job title as well as work location it will give them incentive to hear your perspective.
Connecting with your Legislators!
Find out who your legislators are.
Visit MDelect.net to learn who your legislators are based on where you live and work.
View NASPs tips to communicate with legislators.
Visit NASP Advocacy to read their tips on engaging in effective communication with your legislators.
Educate your legislators on school psychology.
By sharing what the role of a school psychologist is with your legislators connections can be made on how we as a profession can support legal issues within education.
