EP95: How to Communicate with Policymakers with Alison Hernandez, PhD, RN

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's easy to overlook that many of the policies we see and hear in the news aren't entirely decided by the policymakers we see every day. The actual power that initiates innovative ideas into action rests behind the spotlight, with purpose-driven civil servants and professionals. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the many political, logistical, and psychological obstacles these decision-makers encounter, foundations, charities, social sector organizations, and professionals—including nurses— can influence their thinking and impact policy.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thus, nurses, healthcare professionals and advocates must understand how to communicate with policymakers to contribute successfully to policymaking processes.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hear first-hand information and insider tips straight from a Health and Aging Policy Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, Alison Hernandez, PhD, RN, here at This Is Getting Old.</span></p> <p><strong>Key points covered in this episode: </strong></p> <p><strong>✔️There isn't good policy without good politics and vice versa. </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Understand that politics is a competitive, nonviolent process of allocating resources and power. Thus, voting for your elected officials is the most pivotal part because they will eventually exercise the collective voice on the floor. Sponsorship is excellent, but the vote is most important.</span></p> <p><strong>✔️Thirteen to fourteen thousand bills are introduced in Congress every year, and about 1-3% make it to law. </strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One important deciding factor as to whether the bill goes anywhere in a committee is the person who introduced the bill. It's worth noting that co-sponsorship is a crucial way to move an issue forward—and it's the power of numbers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">✔️</span><strong>State employees are strapped for time