Student Advocacy Day

Sample Article for Use in Newsletters to Recruit Students

Student Advocacy—YIKES!

By: Janice Brannon, ASHA Director of State Initiatives

Advocacy—does the word strike terror into your heart? Does the thought of being a citizen lobbyist leave a bad taste in your mouth?

Of course not, you are a CSD student; you know the importance of communications and are the professional in-training for speech and hearing. You also know you must speak for those who can't, the adults and children whose lives you seek to improve now and in the future. 

Just like doing field work, advocacy can be learned through participation in your state association's lobby day, by being an active member of the association's government affairs committee, or by participating in an advocacy activity, such as responding to an action alert by sending a letter to a legislator through an automated E-Advocacy system. Besides that, did you know that you can help earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition for your NSSLA chapter if they participate in such activities?

Did you also know that participation in advocacy means you can have a role in creating or changing laws that affect you, your chosen profession, or large numbers of the vulnerable people you seek to serve? Did you know that such participation can increase your networking opportunities, lead to more employment possibilities, and by becoming educated on issues and proposing politically savvy solutions can make you a leader in your field?

Your wisdom and energy are needed NOW! ASHA is working with state associations to increase their grassroots and advocacy day participation—you will be able to access information and tools to learn everything you need to know to have a successful visit with your legislator.

Grab a friend and ask your state association how you can participate in your state's next advocacy adventure!