Eliminates a few more possibilities because of these conversations. Consider the difference a positive experience or report will make and the potential problem of no experience, secondhand reports or a negative experience. The article is designed to be used in a state newsletter and explains why local public relations activities are so crucial to our profession, using this diffusion process to illustrate and reinforce their point. It is important to develop relationships and to communicate a positive message about school psychology to key audiences in this day of increasing competition and decreasing resources. Taking proactive steps will pay off not only in the face of changing regulations and shifts in job responsibilities, but also if a crisis arises.
Professional advocacy is an important element of child advocacy.
When advocating for the needs of children, it is important to have a platform on which to stand, the platform of the profession of school psychology. At the time of original publication, Kathy Pluymert , NCSP, was a school psychologist in West Dundee, IL and a NASP North Central Region Director. Material for this two-part article was originally prepared for the Illinois School Psychologists Association.