Election and Campaign Season – A Time to Get to Know your Public Servants
Congress has officially returned home to campaign for the midterm elections. Further, state and local office holders, including representatives, senators and governors as well as many city councilmen, school board members and mayors, are also on the ballot this November.
During this time, all of your elected officials will be holding campaign events, open houses, rallies, and sometimes will even drop by high school football games, which create unique opportunities for you to meet and greet your public servants.
Elected officials actually are looking to make your acquaintance and want to get to know you. As the saying goes, “all politics is local.” These events will also allow you to educate them about the importance of school nurses in keeping students, healthy, safe, and ready to learn.
. . .
remind your public servant who you are and the important role you play
Even if you already have a good relationship with some of your elected representatives, these campaign events provide you with an easy way to say hello and renew that relationship. It’s always good to take the opportunity to remind your public servant who you are and the important role you play in the community and in the school.
As you meet with politicians running for re-election, don’t be afraid to meet their opponents that are challenging a sitting official. Elections have become more volatile over the years, and the challenger may become your representative.
It's not just
one meeting - it's an on-going relationship.
This is a great time to begin a dialogue or further your communication with your elected officials. Make a point to have a relationship with these people. It’s not just one meeting – it’s an on-going relationship.
One note of caution, please make sure you do these activities on your own time and do not use your official school email or computer.
For guidance, visit NASN’s Advocacy web page for resources to guide your efforts, including the new PowerPoint, “Advocacy 101.”