Purpose
The Legislative Committee recommends actions to be taken on legislative issues and assists in developing the NASW Wyoming Legislative Agenda. The work of the committee can include: developing Chapter Legislative Positions; writing policy-related articles for the newsletter and/or web page; sponsoring continuing education opportunities that combine policy with practice issues; and interacting with members and social work students about policy and advocacy.
Specific Responsibilities
1. The Legislative Committee reviews legislation being introduced and recommends actions to be taken on legislative issues.
2. Assists with developing the NASW Wyoming Legislative agenda.
3. Committee members follow through on calls for action by contacting legislators and encouraging members to be active with regards to legislative issues.
4. Committee members assist with plans for lobby days, legislative conferences and legislative fund raising, and in reviewing and commenting on proposed legislation.
5. Committee members educate membership regarding potential legislative issues.
6. Suggest relevant articles, information, and/or resources for inclusion in the Chapter newsletter and/or web page.
Members, Terms, and Criteria
The Committee Chairperson is appointed by the President in conjunction with the Board of Directors. The Chairperson is responsible to report the activities of the committee to the Board of Directors, coordinate meetings, insure the goals and responsibilities of the committee are being met, and insure that activities and decisions of the committee are documented in an accurate, timely and thorough manner.
Interested members submit an application to the Board of Directors. The committee consists of at least six NASW Wyoming members in addition to the Committee Chairperson. Members are selected by the Board of Directors with consideration given to selecting members that represent a diversity of backgrounds and geographical representation. The committee is encouraged to recruit members and make recommendations to the board regarding new members.
Terms are not limited, although the President will review committee composition on an annual basis to insure effective fulfillment of the committee's charge. Chapter staff provide administrative support to the committee as necessary. The Chapter Lobbyist will participate as a member of the Legislative Committee.
Committee members must have email accessibility as the majority of the committee work is done by email. Members must also be willing and able to make a one year commitment, attend committee meetings ~ in person or via teleconference ~ when held, and be willing to occasionally serve as the committee representative to Board meetings.