Becoming an Advocate

Step 1: Get Involved

A great first step in becoming a more active advocate for nursing and health care is to attend a Nurse Day at the Capitol. During Nurse Day, attendees learn about the state of health care in Oklahoma and the bills coming up that could affect nurses and patients. Attendees also get information on how to advocate and have an opportunity to meet their legislators! 

Step 2: Find your Legislator 

Step 3: Understand the Legislative Process

Legislative Process in Oklahoma

• Legislative Process and Deadlines | Oklahoma House of Representatives 
• Basics Behind Process
• How a Bill Becomes a Law | Oklahoma State Chamber
• Legislative Glossary | Oklahoma State Senate
• How to Track A Bill | Tracking Legislation in Oklahoma
• Congressional webcasts
• • Oklahoma Senate Live
  • Oklahoma House Live

Step 4: Decide How to Connect

Don't forget to let ONA know if you plan to meet or write your legislator. 

• How to Talk with Legislators
• Tips for Writing to Your Legislator
• Tips for Being a Resource 

Step 5: Continue Advocating!

Nurses in numbers can get things done. For 24 years, Gallup has named nurses as the most trusted profession in the US. But nurses aren’t active enough in advocacy. Of the over 8000+ physicians in Oklahoma, 90% belong to an association. Out of 50,000+ nurses, only 7% do. We need more nurses to join ONA and other associations so nurse influence at the Capitol can match their importance to patient well-being.

• Talking Politics in the Workplace
  
• Building Grassroots
• Do's and Don'ts for Media Interviews

You may also consider getting active on social media and interacting with ONA social media accounts, or even running for office yourself.  If you are interested in running for office, please reach out to ONA at ona@oklahomanurses.org and researching Healing Politics https://healing-politics.org/