Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -- Margaret Mead
Rylin Rodgers rrodgers@aucd.org Leader Director of Public Policy for Former Trainee Family Mom to Matthew (21, working ) and Laura (Freshman in College ) Bipartisan Marriage to David, High School Teacher, Recovering Local Politician Drink Way Too Much Caffeine
Nell, nkonec2@uic.edu Nell Koneczny, she/her/hers 2018-19 Emerging Leaders Intern Master s Candidate, Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago Institute on Disability and Human Development UCEDD Trainee since 2015 Adores Disney, Pokemon, and dinosaurs
Why DPS? Learn about current federal disability policy issues directly from Hill staff and national experts Educate your Members of Congress and staff about what people with disabilities are experiencing, barriers to full participation, and sharing new research, data, ideas for solutions
What is advocacy? Influencing public policy Not just new laws but also: Seeking adequate funding Making sure laws are implemented, interpreted and enforced correctly 5
Education and Advocacy: Know the Difference As experts with lived experience and knowledge gained from training, research, and direct practice, we have a responsibility to engage in policy education and systems change. It is important to understand the ways you can engage: as a representative of a federally-funded training program which actions should be reserved to your role as a private citizen.
Why Your Voice is Needed? You have expertise and passion Your work and life will be impacted by policymakers decisions You vote and can hold policymakers accountable If you don t speak up, someone else will speak for you
Policy Touching the Lives of the People Getting coverage Medication Related therapies Transportation Wait times Complete Streets Education Employment Housing
Divided Congress Political context Democratic Control of House Narrow Republican Control in Senate Very partisan and divisive Unconventional Presidential Administration Race for 2020 Slows things down; votes are tied to campaigns
U.S. Congress 116 th Congress House of Representatives 253 Democrats 198 Republicans 1 vacant 1 disputed Senate 45 Democrats 53 Republicans 2 Independents
Who Matters Your Elected Officials Federal Two US Senators Representative from district where you are registered to vote or where patient lives State Your Governor State Legislators Extra Influential Leadership Positions Committee Membership Undeclared/persuadable Engagement site to find your officials: http://cqrcengage.com/aucd/home?0
Elections 2020 1 2 All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested. New Jersey: Sen Booker New Jersey election laws allow candidates to simultaneously run for two offices. Primaries and Caucuses Iowa Caucus February 3 rd Washington DC June 16 th President
Make Your Appointment Make Appointments Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121. Ask for your Senator/Representative. Ask to speak with the scheduler. Ask to meet with the Member directly. If that is not possible, meet with the legislative assistant (LA) who handles disability issues.. Accessibility Requests Make accessibility requests (including Sign Language Services) through the senator or representative s office that you are planning to visit. www.aoc.gov/accessibilityservices. They should accommodate all requests
Appointment Making Tips May be directed to online form Fill it out Call to follow-up Be persistent Ask who you should followup with Send email to follow-up Update your availability Ask for help Who does you center know in the office? Who does know?
What s it like to meet with a Member (or staff)? Nell, 2018-2019 Emerging Leaders Intern from UIC First time DPS attendee in 2018 Attended as a UCEDD Diversity Fellow o Download a list of attendees by state: o http://disabilitypolicyseminar.org/h ill-visits-2/ Limited experience in meeting with staff members Messy, but fulfilling first time visit!
Meeting with Member (staff) Be on time Expect 15-20 minute meeting Who you are/why you are there The ask (DPS Trainee Summit will help!) Connect to personal story and effective data Concise and to the point Might be from your state so be careful not to offend their county, former school, etc. Leave behind Card No more than 1 page Follow-up via email Pictures and social media
At DPS DPS Trainee Summit Support to prepare for the hill visits Hear from Trainee Voices Mock visits
Relationships that Impact Schedule Meetings with Members of Congress ANY time you are in D.C. Meet with staff in district Know the Legislative Correspondent and Legislative Assistant that work on your issues for each member of your Congressional delegation Be a resource Update on how policy is impacting you Share data Share research Invite to district events Thank and congratulate around success 50
Resources : http://www.aucd.org Public policy Respond to Action Alerts Sign up for Legislative News In Brief Find your Members of Congress Policy Seminar home page for program, fact sheets, state list: disabilitypolicyseminar.org Education vs Advocacy ]www.aucd.org/docs/publications/policy/2019_0130 _trainee_education_advocacy.pdf
Favorites www.khn.org: sign up for their free email Morning Briefing www.politico.com: sign up for their free health care POLITICO Pulse www.aucd.org: Tuesdays with Liz: Disability Policy for All great weekly YouTube, sign up for weekly Disability Policy News In Brief wakeuptopolitics.com/subscribe: Gabe Fleisher, 15 year old student, excellent non-partisan daily digest Centers for Independent Living Social Media
Thank you! Questions? Rylin Rodgers rrodgers@aucd.org 301-588-8252