Topic— The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309). Contacting your legislator and discussing issues is an important attribute of nurse leaders. In your interactions with lawmakers you want to be positive and nonpartisan, personal, persistent, patient, focused on your message, and provide accurate information.

QUESTION

Topic— The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309).

Contacting your legislator and discussing issues is an important attribute of nurse leaders. In your interactions with lawmakers you want to be positive and nonpartisan, personal, persistent, patient, focused on your message, and provide accurate information.
Determine the issue or message (e.g., telehealth impact on your practice) you wish to discuss with your legislator(s). Resource: The American Nurses Association Federal Legislative Priorities for 2019.
Identify your legislator and contact information from his or her website and/or search here.
Letter or Email: The student must write three (3) letters or emails or a combination of letters/emails to their identified legislators (State and/or Federal). Legislators read correspondence, especially when it is personalized and clearly from a constituent. The following guidelines should be used when writing to your representative:
Be brief (one page or less), and use your own words.
Begin with the appropriate heading and address.
Be specific: State the specific bill number and issue and state your opinion in the first sentence.
Relate your experience with the issue. Use personal examples when possible. Your interest and concern about the issue is important.
Ask the legislator to specifically commit to supporting or opposing the legislation you are writing about.
Ask for specific reasons they are supporting or opposing the proposal.
Sign and print your name and include your address and other contact information.
If you have pertinent materials and/or editorials from local papers, include them.
Avoid form letters/emails if possible. If you are using a sample or form letter, be sure to adapt it, especially in the first sentence and paragraph. Legislators and their aides recognize form letters and are less likely to be influenced by them.
Thank him or her for considering your opinion.

ANSWER

Advocacy for Workplace Violence Prevention: Contacting Legislators

Introduction

As nurse leaders, it is essential to engage in advocacy efforts to address critical issues that impact healthcare and the nursing profession. One important avenue for advocacy is contacting legislators to discuss specific concerns and promote positive change. In this essay, we will explore the process of contacting legislators and provide guidelines for writing effective letters or emails. We will focus on advocating for workplace violence prevention, specifically discussing the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309) as a key legislative priority.

Identifying the Issue and Legislators

To effectively engage with legislators, it is crucial to identify the issue or message you wish to discuss. In this case, the focus is on workplace violence prevention. As nurse leaders, we recognize the significant impact of workplace violence on healthcare and social service workers, and we aim to raise awareness and garner support for the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309).

Research and identify your specific legislators at the state and/or federal level who have the power to influence and support the proposed legislation. Gather their contact information from their official websites or through reputable sources.

 Writing Effective Letters or Emails

When writing to legislators, it is important to be concise, genuine, and persuasive. Follow these guidelines to craft impactful letters or emails:

 Be Brief and Use Your Own Words

Keep your letter or email to one page or less. Use your own words to express your thoughts, concerns, and support for the legislation. Personalize the content to demonstrate your authentic perspective.

 Begin with the Appropriate Heading and Address

Start your letter or email with a professional salutation, including the legislator’s name, proper title, and contact information. Clearly indicate that you are a constituent.

Be Specific and State Your Opinion

Clearly state the specific bill number and issue at hand, such as the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309). In the opening sentence, express your opinion on the legislation, whether it is support or opposition.

Relate Your Experience and Use Personal Examples

Share your personal experiences and examples that highlight the importance of workplace violence prevention in healthcare settings. Illustrate the impact of violence on healthcare workers and emphasize the urgency for legislative action.

 Request Commitment and Specific Reasons

Ask the legislator to commit to supporting or opposing the legislation you are advocating for. Request specific reasons for their stance, encouraging a thoughtful and informed response.

 Sign and Include Contact Information

Conclude your letter or email by signing your name and printing it below. Include your address and other contact information, such as phone number and email, to facilitate further communication if needed.

 Include Pertinent Materials

If available, attach pertinent materials and editorials from local papers that support your position. These additional resources can reinforce your message and provide additional context for the legislator.

 Avoid Form Letters/Emails

While sample or form letters can be useful as a starting point, it is crucial to adapt them to your personal voice and situation. Legislators and their aides are more responsive to personalized letters or emails rather than form templates.

Advocating for Workplace Violence Prevention

Workplace violence is a critical issue in healthcare, affecting the well-being and safety of healthcare professionals. The Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309) aims to address this issue comprehensively. By advocating for this legislation, we can highlight the urgent need for action and support the implementation of preventive measures, training programs, and legal protections for healthcare workers.

Conclusion

Contacting legislators is an integral part of nurse leadership and advocacy. By effectively engaging with legislators through personalized letters or emails, we can voice our concerns, share personal experiences, and advocate for important legislative initiatives such as the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1309). Let us seize the opportunity to influence positive change and create safer environments for healthcare professionals. Together, we can make a difference.