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Be consistent. "One of the most important things is to have a consistent message with legislators," said Sheryl Amaral of Rhode Island.
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Employ diverse strategies over time. Initial efforts began approximately 10 years ago in Rhode Island, according to Marcia McOsker. Over time, RISHA employed a lobbyist, partnered with ASHA as part of a Focused Initiative, and used ASHA's tracking system to follow the passage of relevant legislation. "I think that every part of the process was important," McOsker noted. "It takes a variety of strategies over time to make legislation happen."
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Develop a communications plan. "It's important to continue to inform people throughout the state-and throughout the process-about what you're doing. Even a few misinformed people can spoil an effort. There are always people who haven't heard of the effort who will become supporters," said Oklahoma's Mona Ryan. The advocacy committee in that state developed talking points that included speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and school psychologists.
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Don't get discouraged. "People get dispirited," Amaral said. "They don't realize that it takes a few years to get legislation passed. Commitment and quiet persistence are key. It's important to stay positive." She noted that Rhode Island had only had a small group of volunteers-but they were really committed.
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