Playing the Game: School Counselors, Blazers and the Art of Legislative Advocacy

Let’s face it – navigating the world of legislative advocacy isn’t exactly covered in grad school. There’s no chapter titled “How to Pass a Bill,” although honestly, there should be. As school counselors, we’re used to tackling chaos with calm and creating order with color-coded Post-its. But when it comes to the Capitol, the game is a little different, and knowing how to play it can make all the difference. 

So if you’re ready to take your advocacy skills beyond the school walls and into the legislative arena, here’s your slightly snarky, mildly helpful guide to “playing the game” of legislative advocacy. (Spoiler alert: it starts with a blazer.)
 
1. Dress Like a Decision Maker (or at Least Like Someone Who Could Have a LinkedIn)
First impressions matter. As much as we want our ideas to speak for themselves, people often hear them more clearly when the speaker looks like they know what they’re doing. Translation? Wear the blazer. Bonus points for closed-toed shoes, a tote bag that says “I read the fiscal note,” and the confident energy of someone who knows the difference between a bill and a resolution.
 
2. Choose Your Players Wisely
Don’t waste your breath on senators or reps who already have their minds set in political concrete. Instead, aim for those in the middle – or better yet, those on the bill’s committee. That’s where the real magic happens (or at least where the sausage gets made). And no, it’s not enough to only talk to those who share your political views. Advocacy isn’t about preaching to the choir – it’s about convincing the person in the back row who doesn’t even know the song is playing.
 
3. Don’t Show Up Empty Handed
Bring a story. Bring a stat. Bring a student success story (anonymized, of course). Legislators are bombarded with noise – make your message stick with something real, relevant and preferably under two minutes. If your entire pitch wouldn’t fit into a TikTok, it’s too long.
 
4. Be the Nice One Who Remembers Staff Names
Legislative aides are the gatekeepers. They know the calendar, control the inbox and often read the bills more closely than their bosses do. Be respectful, be brief and be the person they actually want to hear from. Bonus move: Send a thank you email with your contact info, a one-pager on your ask, and maybe a link to your favorite ASCA infographic.
 
5. Play the Long Game
Winning a policy change is less like chess and more like Candy Land: lots of unexpected detours, some sticky situations and a weird amount of waiting. Sometimes the best move is just showing up consistently, smiling politely and reminding them (again) that Utah’s school counselors are stretched thinner than the peanut butter in a high school vending machine granola bar.
 
6. Know the Rules, But Don’t Be Afraid to Approach Them Creatively
Didn’t get a meeting with a rep? Find them at the education committee hearing and introduce yourself. No time to testify? Submit written comments. Can’t make it to the Hill? Organize a “Counselors for Kids” postcard campaign with fellow school counselors who have a passion for making positive change. There’s more than one way to move the needle, and we’ve got the creative skillset to prove it.
 
Final Word: Advocacy Is a Team Sport
You’re not in this alone. Your colleagues, SCA leadership and even a few surprisingly helpful legislators are all part of the squad. So put on the blazer, warm up your elevator pitch and let’s keep showing lawmakers that school counselors are not just helpful, they’re essential.
 
And if nothing else, we can always win them over with a well-timed compliment. Game on.
 
Lindsey Harris, LSC, is the USCA Legislative Liaison and Elementary Vice President. She serves as a school counselor at Sage Creek Elementary in Nebo School District.