Advocating with your Elected Officials

Communicating directly with your elected officials about issues important to you can make a difference. Contacting your representatives is an effective way to share concerns and participate in the political process. This video and guidebook guide you when sending personal letters or emails, telephoning or meeting with your legislators and other elected officials. Get involved and make sure your voice is heard!

Historically, people with disabilities and low literacy have been excluded from having a voice in community and governmental affairs that impact their lives and the future of their communities. Engagement in community affairs and public policy development requires accessible tools. The Advocating with your Elected Officials materials show easy-to-use strategies that open doors to engage in local/national legislative advocacy.

Video

Date: 2011
Languages: English and Spanish, Closed Caption
Client: State Council on Developmental Disabilities/ Developmental Disabilities Area Board 9
URL: http://www.scdd.ca.gov  http://www.scdd.ca.gov/
Area_Board/
Area_Board_9.htm

1. Overview
2. Full length video
3. Training Components
 a. Sending a letter or email
 b. Making a visit
 c. Making a group visit
 d. Making a call

Publications

Description: The Advocating with your Elected Officials guidebook provides a field-tested process that breaks down the steps to communicate with elected officials. The book provides tips provided by families and advocates about how to have respectful meetings, write effective letters and learn about priorities of elected officials.
Format: PDF
Date of Publication: 2010
Languages: English and Spanish

Presentations

Description: A self-guided series of presentation slides to conduct community trainings.
Format: PDF, PowerPoint
Date of Publication: July 2011
Language: English, Spanish

Advocating with Elected Officials Website

Description: Webpage on the State Council on Developmental Disabilities site that provides information about elected officials in Area Board 9 catchment area, how-to video, easy-to-use booklet.
URL: http://www.scdd.ca.gov/
Format: Webpage with video and booklet
Date of Publication: November 2011
Language: English

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