Building OCDA’s Policy Platform: Ensuring Member Voices Shape Our Advocacy

As members of the Ohio Career Development Association, our collective voice is central to how we engage in advocacy at the local and state levels. The Government Relations Committee is currently developing OCDA’s first policy platform, which will be revisited and updated every five years. This document will guide our advocacy efforts as we engage with elected officials and state agencies. The policy platform serves several critical functions for our association and our advocacy work.

Purpose 1: Define Our Advocacy Priorities

The platform will clarify which policy issues OCDA will actively engage in, ensuring our advocacy is focused, strategic, and aligned with member priorities.

Purpose 2: Ensure Representation Across Constituency Groups

The platform will help ensure that our advocacy reflects the needs and perspectives of OCDA’s diverse constituency groups.

Purpose 3: Guide Consistent and Credible Policy Engagement

The platform will provide a shared reference point for engaging legislators, agencies, and partners, strengthening the credibility and consistency of OCDA’s voice in policy discussions.

Because OCDA represents professionals working across varied settings and systems, it is essential that our policy platform is informed directly by member input. Your insights help us understand what is happening on the ground, what challenges you are facing, and where advocacy can make the most meaningful impact.

To ensure your perspective is included, we invite you to complete a brief questionnaire. Your responses will directly inform the development of OCDA’s policy platform and help the Government Relations Committee advocate effectively on behalf of all members. This will take approximately 5 minutes or less to complete and will close on February 13, 2026.

OCDA Policy Platform Development Questionnaire

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to the profession. We look forward to representing your priorities and strengthening OCDA’s advocacy work together.