Using the NASP Advocacy Center : Simple, Fast, Effective

 

Make sure your voice is heard: Contact your state and federal elected officials through the Advocacy Action Center . Here's how:

 

Getting to the NASP Advocacy Action Center via the web:

  1. Go to the NASP website at www.nasponline.org
  2. On the left-hand side of the NASP home page, point to “Advocacy/Public Policy”
  3. More choices appear: click on “Public Policy/Legislative Issues” to be redirected to a new page. You can refer to this page for information on the NASP GPR Committee, the School Psychology Action Network (SPAN), as well as issues and news on GPR activities.
  4. Click on “Take Action Now – Advocacy Action Center ”

 

Read about the issues in the Legislative Action Alerts

  1. Use the “Click here” button to read any of the Action Alerts with the latest updates on important pending issues. Beside each Alert, you can choose to “Take Action Now”
  2. Enter your zip cod and click “Go!”
  3. Follow the easy directions to send your Action letter.

 

Se nding a message to Federal Legislators

Choose a letter associated with one of the Action Alerts, or go to other letter options by scrolling down to “ELECTED OFFICIALS” below the Action Alerts.

 

  1. Enter your ZIP code. Note: you may be prompted for the additional 4-digit zip code to determine your exact Congressional District. If you do not know the 4-digit zip code, you can enter your street address to locate it for you.
  2. What message do you want to send? The next page will reveal a selection of letters to choose from. Choose a letter by clicking on it. Or you may select the option to “Compose Your Own Message”. On this page, you will also see the names and photos of your two U.S. senators, the U.S. Representative for your district, and the President. For more information on these leaders, including local and DC contact numbers, you may click beneath the pictures.
  3. Who do you want to contact? Choose the letter recipients by clicking (unchecking) the box next to the pictures. You may choose all three members or only specific members to receive this particular message.
  4. How do you want to send it? You may choose to send your message via e-mail or FAX (select “letter” to mail or FAX it). If you select “letter” you will be prompted to choose the format for your word processor. Your representative's mailing address will automatically be included in the letter. Please note that sending the letter by FAX is a better option than mail. NOTE: For specific information on Members of Congress, including local office locations and contact information, use the main Advocacy Action Center page under “Elected Officials” (click on “info”) or click “Congressional Directory” on any page.
  5. What do you want to say? Once you decide to send this or any other letter, you have the ability to edit the letter as you please. Add your own content or simply choose to send the letter as is.
  6. Scroll down to enter all required information . You must enter all fields as indicated, including an e-mail address (use gpr@naspweb.org if you do not have an e-mail address). Note: you may use your home or school address (unless you are prohibited from doing so). Your Member of Congress represents the district in which you live. However, you can also send messages to the member representing the district where your school is located, even if the address is in another Congressional District. Do not list your school's name or school district unless you are an official representative. You may also want to check into your district's rules before you use school computers for what may be considered “lobbying”.
  7. Check the “Remember Me” box and your computer will remember your address and complete the information automatically. This will make your next message even easier to send.
  8. Click “Send Message” at the bottom of the page. Congratulations! Your message(s) have been sent. You will be prompted to print the letter if this is your choice of delivery options. (Some congressmen only accept letters or FAX) You will receive a confirmation message by e-mail. After completing one letter, you will be invited to send another. Click on the title of an issue that interests your, or “Compose your own letter”.
  9. The NASP Advocacy Action Center can also be used to send messages to state legislators, or to send state-specific message regarding various state association efforts.