Advocacy How To's

SJCS advocates for people with disabilities and supports the work of self-advocates who play a central role in shaping disability-related legislation at the federal, state, city or county-wide levels.  By speaking up on behalf of themselves, self-advocates also protect others from discrimination whose voices may not be heard. In addition, SJCS brings added strength by aligning ourselves with national, state and local advocacy associations—including ANCOR, the ARC, vaACCSES (Community Association of Rehabilitation Programs), TNCO (Tennessee Community Organizations), DC Coalition of Providers for Persons with Intellectual and other Disabilities and PAR (PA Association of Resources).  Click here for Links/Resources.

Contact your Federal and State Legislators

One of the primary ways to influence important issues and legislation related to people with disabilities is to contact your legislators. (See Federal and State Legislative Process for links to your legislators.) With today’s technological advances, there are quick and easy ways to send your message in support of or against an issue—such as an email, fax, and telephone call.  If you prefer to send a letter to your federal legislator, you’re more likely to receive a response from the district office.   

The most effective communication is personal, brief and to the point. Express your viewpoint, how the bill/issue will affect your life, why it’s important (to you, family, organization, etc) and what actions you’d like them to take.  In most cases, your concerns will be addressed by a legislative staff member, though on some occasions the legislator may take a personal interest.  

Other Ways to Advocate

There are other personal ways to express your concerns and state your position on legislation or issues.  These include visiting your legislator, testifying at public hearings and attending a rally. While you can take any of these actions as an individual, you may want to check with either your state or national advocacy organization (link to Resources page on website) to communicate through their established process or join a rally or congressional visit they may be planning.  This maximizes the power of many. 

Visit Your Legislator

The key ingredients to a successful visit with your legislator, either federal or state, are to be well prepared and stay on point.  First, you must schedule an appointment in advance with your delegate or a staff member if not available.  If you can’t get an appointment, request a phone conversation.

Then prepare your personal story and rehearse it beforehand, with another person if possible. Remember to bring written copies of your story, with a photo if possible.  And in case the meeting time is shortened, prepare a 90 second “elevator speech” to ensure that you were able to convey your main points in the allotted time. 

Testify at Public Hearings

Your willingness to testify at a public hearing is a wonderful way to represent many others who may not be in a position to do so.  And the principles of effective communication mentioned above apply here as well.   Here are some major pointers:

  • Introduce yourself, who you represent and why you are testifying.
  • Briefly state your position; what it is you want the officials to do.
  • Tell YOUR story and why the issue matters to you.
  • Stay within the required time limits; close with restating the main points and a thank you.
  • Bring copies of your statement for press/policymakers/staff.
  • If permitted, take photos or video for internal use via newsletters, website and social media.
  • Remember to rehearse beforehand with another person if possible.

Attend a Rally

A well-organized rally for a specific purpose can raise awareness and send a clear message to legislators, government officials, businesses and the larger community. A rally attracts media attention which in turn helps to educate the public and pressure public officials.  When combined with visits to legislators, it can have a powerful effect.

On the day of the rally, your group should be fully prepared for the schedule of events, transportation arrangements, assigned meeting places, and spokespersons with key messages prepared. This is your opportunity to participate and speak out.  Afterwards, the participating organizations can spread the word (pictures, stories, testimony) via internet, newsletters, media interviews, etc., to staff, individuals, family members, the Board and providers.

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