In an era when mental health and wellness are more vital than ever, having legislators from both sides of the aisle who understand the unique needs of counselors is essential. South Dakota State Rep. Amber Arlint exemplifies this dedication, passionately supporting the counseling profession and health care rights at the state level. As a staunch supporter and champion for mental health care providers, Rep. Arlint offers invaluable insights into effective advocacy, highlighting how counselors can amplify their voices beyond engagement with clients.
In this interview, Rep. Arlint shares practical tips for advocating within government, and she shares some of her personal story of transitioning from a professional role in her community to a political role for her state. We hope some counselors may feel encouraged to step into the political arena themselves—because having a seat at the table ensures that the profession’s concerns and needs are heard loud and clear. Whether you’re new to advocacy or already making your voice heard, Rep. Arlint’s story underscores that professionals in all communities can indeed run for office and make a meaningful difference in shaping policies that impact their profession and the issues they care about on a local, state, or national level.
What motivated you to consider running for state office, and what personal or community experience influenced your decision?
- Family Commitment to Community Sparks Lifelong Interest in Public Service: I was motivated to consider running for state office because of my upbringing in a small town where public service was a way of life for my family. From a young age, I watched my relatives actively participate in our community through various roles, whether it was serving on the city council, county commission, or participating in church and nonprofit boards. They truly led by example, demonstrating the impact that dedicated individuals can have on the lives of others. As a mom and a small business owner, I understand the challenges that many families face daily. Juggling kids in daycare and school while managing a business gives me a unique perspective on the issues that matter most to our community. I believe it’s essential for those in leadership positions to genuinely relate to their constituents and understand the “grind” that so many people experience every day.
Can you walk us through the key challenges you faced during your campaign or early tenure and how you overcame them?
- Leveraging Opportunities for Learning on the Go: One of the key challenges I faced during my campaign and early tenure was my lack of previous experience as an elected official. I quickly realized that I needed to gather a significant amount of knowledge on current issues affecting our community and state. To overcome this challenge, I made it a priority to establish connections with community leaders and experienced mentors who could provide guidance and insights. I reached out to individuals from various sectors, including local government, education, and nonprofits, to learn from their experiences and expertise. This networking not only helped me gain a deeper understanding of the issues but also fostered relationships that have been invaluable in my role. Additionally, I became very comfortable with asking questions and admitting when I didn’t have all the answers. I learned that seeking help and clarification is a strength, not a weakness. This approach has allowed me to build a support system and gain the knowledge I need to serve my constituents effectively. By embracing this learning mindset, I’ve been able to navigate the complexities of my role and advocate for the needs of our community more confidently.
How did you go about building and sustaining support from your community, colleagues, and local organizations?
- Impactful Partnerships Through Genuine, Consistent Engagement: Building and sustaining support from my community, colleagues, and local organizations has been a fundamental aspect of my approach since I took office. I believe that integrity is key to establishing trust, and I work hard to ensure that my actions align with my words. When I commit to voting a certain way on an issue, I follow through on that promise. This consistency has helped me build credibility within my community. Transparency and authenticity are also central to my relationship-building efforts. I strive to keep open lines of communication with my constituents, sharing my thought process on decisions and being honest about the challenges we face. I make it a point to listen actively to the concerns of community members and engage them in meaningful dialogue. Moreover, I’ve actively sought to collaborate with local organizations and leaders, recognizing the importance of collective efforts to address our community’s needs. By attending community events, participating in local initiatives, and being available for conversations, I’ve been able to foster strong relationships built on mutual respect and shared goals.
A message that was driven home by the experience and responses of Rep. Arlint was the importance of building sustained, meaningful relationships with legislators in your state. As a counselor, you can lean into your expertise in the dynamics of human relationships and active listening to connect with your legislators and develop a relationship built on respect and understanding. Strong relationships make navigating complicated legislation and legislative engagement easier in the turbulent times. This truth was clearly illuminated in Rep. Arlint’s responses to the following questions.
In your experience, what are some common mistakes that counselors and other advocates make when trying to influence legislators, and how can they avoid them?
- Listening and Letting Relational Understanding Guide Engagement: In my experience, one common mistake that counselors or advocates make when trying to influence legislators is coming in too aggressively, ready to argue their point before taking the time to assess where the legislator stands on the issue. Often, they may not realize that the legislator is already aligned with their perspective. This approach can create unnecessary tension and hinder productive dialogue. Another frequent misstep is only reaching out to legislators when there’s disagreement. Advocacy should be an ongoing relationship, not just a reaction to conflict. When advocates consistently communicate with legislators—whether to express gratitude for their support or to share positive feedback on their work—it fosters a sense of trust and familiarity. When these advocates later voice concerns or disagreement, I’m more inclined to listen because I recognize that we already share common ground.
What advice would you give to counselors or constituents on effectively advocating for their issues in a legislative setting?
- Build Relationships Early and Reach Out Consistently: My primary advice for counselors and constituents advocating for their issues in a legislative setting is to build relationships early and reach out consistently. Establishing rapport with legislators can create a foundation of trust and open lines of communication. This proactive approach allows advocates to share their concerns and insights more effectively. By maintaining regular contact—whether through emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings—advocates can ensure that their issues remain on the radar and can foster a collaborative environment where legislators feel more informed and engaged with the needs of their constituents.
From your experience in the legislature, how would you advise counselors to better prepare their clients or communities to engage with legislators in a meaningful and respectful way?
- Education Opens Opportunities for Engagement: First, it’s essential to educate them about the legislative process, including how laws are made and the role of various stakeholders. Secondly, I recommend encouraging clients to articulate their stories clearly and concisely. Personal narratives can be powerful tools in advocacy, as they humanize issues and help legislators connect emotionally with the challenges faced by constituents. Counselors can assist their clients in honing these stories, ensuring that they focus on the specific issues they want to address and the outcomes they hope to achieve. Lastly, I emphasize the importance of respectful communication. Counselors should prepare their clients to engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing the value of listening and finding common ground with legislators. Reminding them to express gratitude for the legislator’s time and consideration can also foster a positive atmosphere for discussion. By equipping clients with knowledge, storytelling skills, and respectful communication techniques, counselors can help facilitate more meaningful and productive interactions with legislators.
Are there specific practices or communication styles that you believe are most effective when working directly with state legislators?
- Clear and Focused Communication Is Best: There are several specific practices and communication styles that I believe are most effective when working directly with state legislators. First and foremost, being clear and concise is essential. Legislators often have limited time, so presenting your message in a straightforward manner helps ensure that your points are understood quickly and effectively. Active listening is another critical practice. It’s important to engage with legislators by not only sharing your perspective but also by genuinely listening to their responses and concerns. This demonstrates respect for their position and can help foster a more collaborative relationship. Building rapport through a respectful and friendly tone can also enhance communication. Establishing a positive connection makes it easier to discuss difficult issues and find common ground. Additionally, using data and evidence to support your arguments can lend credibility to your position and make your case more compelling. Lastly, follow-up communication is vital. After meetings or discussions, sending a thank-you note or a summary of the points discussed can reinforce your message and keep the lines of communication open. By employing these practices and communication styles, advocates can create a more productive and effective dialogue with state legislators.
From your perspective, what role should constituents and counselors play in shaping policy, and how can they build productive relationships with lawmakers?
- Expertise from the Field Strengthens Legislation: From my perspective, constituents and counselors play a crucial role in shaping policy, especially in a state like South Dakota, which has a citizen legislature. Given that we don’t have staff and operate within a 40-day session, it’s vital for constituents to be proactive in bringing their issues to the table. Often, I find that constituents come to me with a problem and expect me to provide a solution. However, with approximately 25,000 constituents, it’s simply not feasible for me to tackle all of their issues alone. Those constituents who approach me with a clear problem and a proposed solution tend to have a greater impact on the legislative process. By coming prepared with ideas and potential resolutions, they not only make my job easier but also demonstrate their commitment to being part of the solution. This collaborative approach fosters a more productive relationship between lawmakers and constituents.
What guidance would you offer to aspiring candidates or new legislators to foster collaboration and trust across political divides?
- Be Authentic! My guidance for aspiring candidates or new legislators to foster collaboration and trust across political divides is quite simple: treat people well, be authentic, and maintain high integrity. When you approach others with respect and kindness, it creates an environment where open dialogue can flourish. Authenticity in your interactions encourages others to do the same, which is essential for building trust. As the child of a retired school counselor, I’ve learned the importance of using your “soft skills.” These interpersonal skills—such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication—are invaluable in navigating political differences. By genuinely seeking to understand others’ perspectives and finding common ground, you can foster relationships that transcend partisan lines. Ultimately, when you prioritize collaboration and treat everyone with dignity, trust will develop naturally.
Rep. Amber Arlint’s journey demonstrates that advocacy begins with a passion for change and a commitment to your profession. Counselors have a vital role not only in supporting their clients but also in shaping the policies that affect their work and the communities they serve. By stepping into the political arena, counselors can ensure their voices are heard at the decision-making table, advocating for better health care rights, funding, and professional recognition. As Rep. Arlint encourages, every counselor has the potential to make a difference, whether through grassroots efforts, policy advocacy, or even running for office. The future of counseling depends on leaders who understand the profession from the inside out.
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