MSW students, if you are interested gaining field experience in lobbying and advocating at the state level, consider joining the Health Equity Circle for a day at the WA state capitol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Lobby Day?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every year on President’s Day, Health Equity Circle brings ~100 students from the schools of public health, nursing, medicine, law, social work, and more to Olympia to voice support for or against the passage of specific bills that are critical to health equity<\/a> in WA. This is a wider collaboration with other health professional schools within WWAMI. Health Equity Circle is currently researching bills that will be presented in the house or senate during this legislative session to determine which positions we should take. We are looking for volunteers that will meet with individual policymakers in small groups to tell their stories and influence votes. Not only is Lobby Day a chance to advance policy around social justice issues, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to gain lobbying skills, become familiar with the legislative process in WA, and meet students from across the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When is Lobby Day?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Monday, February 17th<\/strong>, we will be meeting with legislators to in Olympia advocate for bills that advance health equity this year. Transportation will be provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the time commitment?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteers will be required to attend a 1.5 hour training session in early February to learn about our legislative positions, how to speak to representatives, and learn the itinerary of the whole day. Lobby Day is a full day commitment. We will meet in Olympia at 8 am (if carpooling, we will meet at 6:30 am at UW) and we will be done around 4 pm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You do not need to be affiliated with Health Equity Circle to attend.<\/strong> Anyone – undergraduate or graduate – who is interested in advocating for policy that affects health outcomes is welcome to join. Please spread the word to your classmates & colleagues!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If interested, please fill out this Google Form: <\/strong>https:\/\/forms.gle\/GCtYtScDNAJLLhi38<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n