Energizing the PAC!

Arizona Nurse, Mar 2002 by Drugay, Marge

The Arizona Nurses Association Political Action Committee (AzNAPAC) held it's first ever winter workshop,

"Energizing the PAC!" On February 18, 2002, the AzNAPAC Board of Trustees, The AzNA Board of Directors and the members of the Legislative Committee were invited to participate in this event with workshop leader Barbara Thoman Curtis. Ms. Curtis was also the keynote speaker for the AzNA Legislative Day held on the following day.

The purpose of the workshop was to assist the participants in understanding the mission of the PAC, to learn more about the history of nursing PACs, and to become more accomplished at communicating with candidates and legislators. Ms. Curtis was instrumental in the development of some of the first state nursing association PACs, dating back to the early 1970's in Washington state, and moving on to establish the American Nurses Association PAC in 1974 (then known as N-CAP). The ANA PAC has been very influential in moving legislation supportive of nursing, and is a recognized and respected PAC in the healthcare arena. In 2001 it raised over 1.2 million dollars, making it the third largest healthcare PAC in the nation.

Ms. Curtis provided us with an overview of PACs, and communication strategies to aid in making our point succinctly with candidates and legislators-an important skill for this election year when the PAC will be responsible for surveying and interviewing candidates for office, and making endorsements for those who support our positions on key issues.

In the afternoon we went into more depth about communication strategies, and at the end of the day heard from Laura Penny, Arizona Women's Political Caucus Vice-President, who discussed why we need registered nurses in the Arizona legislature. In her list of the Top Ten Reasons, the number one reason was that there is only ONE nurse currently in the legislature, and she is not a registered nurse. When surveying the members in the room, several indicated that they have thought about running for office at one time or another. On Legislative Day the PAC held a fundraiser by "creating a flag". Stars could be purchased for $5, and stripes for $10. Lively bidding for a patriotic bracelet ensued when the challenge

to complete two flags was achieved. Marla Weston and Laurie House are the delighted new co-owners of the silver charm bracelet - congratulations, and thank you for supporting the PAC!

The PAC booth was busy with individuals interested in political activism, and several became new contributors to the PAC. Many are now eligible to receive the exclusive AzNAPAC Political Insider email distribution list which is one of the many benefits of contributing to the AzNAPAC (please see the January 2002 Arizona Nurse for more information on the PAC). During the two days of political and legislative activity the PAC had the opportunity to introduce two candidates for office from Arizona. Liz Farley is a candidate for the House of Representatives in the new Congressional District 2, and she met with us during the workshop. Ms. Farley (D) is an engineer from Glendale, working at Honeywell, who is opposing Bob Stump (R), a 26 year veteran of Congress. You may learn more about her at www.Farley4Congress.com. The second candidate was Dr. Mike Newcomb, a physician who is running for the seat of Governor on the Democratic ticket. He spoke briefly at the lunch at Legislative Day. You may learn more about him at www.ilikemike2002.com. Watch the Arizona Nurse for more information about a Spring Workshop sponsored by the PAC, and candidate events around the state. You are invited to involve yourself in political activity with the PAC, and we encourage your contribution as Ambassadors, assisting candidates of your choice in the Clean Elections process. There is power in participation!

Dr. Marge Drugay, RN, ND Political Action Committee Chair