This introductory workshop will educate the participants in the art of effective advocacy for Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists. WSLHA lobbyist Melissa Johnson will introduce the techniques and strategies of effective legislative advocacy. Jill Bujnevicie  and Julie Salvi will speak about changing legislation through grassroots efforts. Participants will get hands-on experience by practicing these skills in small groups.  In the afternoon participants will have the opportunity to meet with their legislators in their offices at the state capital to raise issues impacting the professions in Washington state.

Time: 9:00 - 11:00 AM for the Hybrid Course and will be able to be viewed by recording.

(In-person participants will have the option of joining the group for a tour/visit of the Capital building in Olympia in the afternoon; there will not be CEUs/Clock hours for the afternoon)

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to: 

1. Identify the state bills currently impacting SLPs and audiologists in Washington State.

2. Describe methods to garner support through engagement with community groups and legislators to develop and pass new legislation.

3. List three tools or techniques of effective advocacy, including how to communicate concisely with lawmakers via phone, in-person, and email.

Meet the Speakers:

Melissa Johnson J.D.

Melissa is a lobbyist who focuses on health care, education, human services, and business issues for Washington state. For over 25 years, Melissa has advocated on behalf of her clients to the Washington State Legislature and the State Executive Branch. Prior to joining Bogard & Johnson, where she is a current partner, Melissa was a staff member with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Washington State House of Representatives. She also practiced law in the Seattle area. Melissa graduated with distinction from the University of Washington with a BA in Political Science. She received her law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, DC.

Disclosures: Financial - Paid Contractor for WSLHA | Non-Financial: None

Jill Bujnevicie

Jill works as an Emergency Medicine Physician assistant in WA. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she has lived in the greater Seattle area with her husband and two children for over a decade now. Her son with hearing loss, Hugo, is in third grade and thriving. She and her family enjoy adventuring in the PNW great outdoors as much as possible. Jill led the effort to pass HB 1222 into law, requiring insurance companies in Washington State to cover hearing devices.

Disclosures: Financial - None | Non-Financial - None

Julie Salvi

Since 2013, Julie has worked as a lobbyist for the Washington Education Association, lobbying for key improvements to education funding and educator compensation during the implementation of the McCleary decision. Prior to working with WEA, Julie worked for 15 years in various budget roles in state government, including as an analyst for the House Appropriations Committee and Senior Budget Assistant to the Governor for Education. Julie holds a MA in Public Admin from the UW.

Disclosures: Financial - Paid contractor for WEA | Non-Financial - None

Introductory Level – 0.20 ASHA CEUs: ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

WSLHA charges a processing fee of $5.00 for ASHA CEUs ($7.00 non-members).

OSPI Clock Hours – 2.0 hours 

OSPI clock hours available by registering and paying for hours with the ESD113.

Credits and clock hours must be purchased prior to the program. Any requests for credits/hours after the date of each workshop will be denied.

WSLHA is excited to offer this event with support from a state association grant from ASHA