There are medical libraries throughout the North Atlantic that would love to give you an opportunity to see more! You may want to speak with a medical librarian about what it is they do or perhaps you'd like to visit a medical library.
All mentoring opportunities offered by NAHSL conform to the standards and guidelines of the Medical Library Association. Appropriate paperwork and agreement forms must be completed prior to the inception of any mentor/mentee relationship.
Your voice carries the most weight with officials who represent you.
Understanding where an issue stands in the legislative process is crucial. For example, a bill printed in February may not have a public hearing until March and may not be voted on until April or May. Timing your outreach appropriately ensures your message is relevant.
Ensure you have accurate data to support your case and always cite your sources. Educate them and don't assume what they "should" know. Data-driven arguments are compelling to lawmakers.
Officials have limited time. Summarize your main points clearly and offer to provide additional details if needed. Encouraging a legislator to vote a certain way is more effective than criticizing them after a vote.
Respect and civility are key to gaining lawmakers' attention and fostering constructive dialogue. If you wish to express disappointment over a vote, do so respectfully.
Personal stories can be powerful and persuasive tools when discussing policy issues.
Local legislators often have minimal staff support. Don’t hesitate to follow up. Personal contact can be impactful, especially with local legislators.
