The most recent session of the Nevada State Legislature saw the Nevada State Psychological Association, once again, in the thick of the debate when the issues turned to mental health. The last session saw the focus on the licensure of professional counselors, among other issues. One can argue the merits of licensing professional counselors, but NSPA leadership recognized that legislation was going to pass and we could either stand on the sidelines or make the bill the best legislation possible. We chose the latter. That involvement, by individual psychologists, made the difference.

          Each session of the Legislature, NSPA climbs one more rung on the ladder of credibility and respectability. It’s taken a while, years actually, for NSPA to gain more than a toehold in Carson City. It takes a lot to matter a little in the hallways and committee rooms of the Legislative Building. At the end of the day, though, it comes down to you, a member of NSPA.

          A respected State Senator once addressed a group of civic-minded individuals and told them something that was as appropriate then as now. The senator said, “YOU own the process, the system and us. We work for you. YOU tell us how it’s supposed to be.”

          We sometimes forget that. But during my decade representing NSPA, I’ve seen—time and time again—individual members of NSPA stepping up, taking ownership. I’ve been with them as they step up to testify, step up to support a piece of legislation, step up to provide ‘expert testimony,’ step up whenever the call went out to represent this Association. They did so honorably and with distinction. Bills were passed and became law. Changes were made. And each time NSPA’s reputation and stature grew just a little bit more.

          If you stopped on this page, you might have an interest in the legislative process, an interest in helping out—even if it’s just a little. I’m here to tell you that help would be welcomed and appreciated. You don’t need to be a ‘political animal.’ You don’t need to be political at all. You just need to want to help make the practice of psychology better for all psychologists. Because the Senator was right. In Nevada, we do own the process, and one voice can be heard. Would you like to add yours? Michelle Carro is our current president. She’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at michelle.carr@unlv.edu

Bryan Gresh
NSPA Lobbyist
The Gresh Group, Inc.

Posted 9/25/07