Successful Legislative Day

Yesterday, 35 psychologists and graduate students invaded the Statehouse and Riffe Center and met with their legislators during OPA's Annual Legislative Day.

After a morning session that included a special visit by state representative Ted Celeste who spoke about the importance of visiting your legislator, attendees divided into a "first timer" and "advanced advocate" group to learn the ins and outs of OPA's advocacy agenda.

The advanced advocates agenda focused on specific bills and key messages, followed by detailed information on how to become a key psychologist in the district. Duties of becoming a "key psychologist" include organizing meetings in the district and contacting legislators quarterly.

First timers learned about how to find their way around the statehouse, how to talk to the legislator and then participated in practice visits.

After the afternoon visits and watching committee meetings, attendees shared their experiences. Several attendees said, "A great workshop! I'll be back next year! " One said this was "well done--very exhilarating." Another attendee remarked, "Superb! It was a fascinating day. It is such a joy to be watched over by such a competent OPA staff."

Legislative Day is held every April. For more information about OPA's advocacy efforts, contact Bobbie Celeste, director of professional affairs, at bceleste@ohpsych.org.