Influencing policy by communicating with a legislator

provide the opportunity for students to practice influencing policy by
communicating with a legislator about a current health problem.
Instructions:

1. Select a current health problem that is being debated at the national and/or state level
   (e.g., the opioid epidemic), and state why it is of interest.
2. Identify a legislator (state or federal) and state why that person is the appropriate one to
   contact.
3. Draft a letter to the legislator including the proper salutation.
4. Introduce yourself and your reason for writing.
5. State concisely what you understand to be the current socioeconomic, political, and
   ethical issues surrounding the problem.
6. Discuss the implications of the problem for nursing or nursing practice.
7. Make a clear request for action.
8. Request a response.