The 2012 Legislative Session is just under two weeks away, with the second half of the 2011-2013 biennium beginning on Tuesday, January 24. ARRM is eager to continue its work with legislators reforming, rebalancing, and reshaping our state’s disability system. Grassroots advocates are critical to this work, and ARRM's advocacy program, which has become a cornerstone of ARRM’s legislative efforts, will continue to grow and expand.
To support your grassroots efforts, ARRM has developed a myriad of tools and resources for members.
Messages
As in previous years, ARRM has created new grassroots messages for this session. We realize that direct support professionals have a different story to tell than family members, and self-advocates have a different story than upper-level management. With that in mind, we have unique grassroots messages for each constituency. You can find these messages in ARRM’s Advocacy Arsenal located here.
Tools
Also in the Advocacy Arsenal, you will find tool kits and templates to help you craft and tell your story.
Time and again we hear from legislators that personal stories are the most effective way to put a human face on a complicated issue. That's why we ask that you do one more thing than you did last year: contact your legislator by phone, email, or letter, or invite them to a program site to see firsthand the work you do every day. To find your legislator you can visit the state’s district finder tool by clicking here.
Communications
Word from the Capitol is that the 2012 session will be short. To stay up-to-date as things move quickly through the legislature, visit our advocacy calendar and follow us on Twitter.
Events
Mark March 1, 2012 on your calendars as ARRM’s Day at the Capitol. The rally in the Rotunda begins at 10:30 a.m., and once again, we'll set up meetings with your legislators on your behalf. Look for more information and registration early next week.
Last year we have almost 1,000 people registered to attend our Day at the Capitol, and we're hoping to meet and surpass that number this year. We're also hosting a MN-CCD "Tuesday at the Capitol" on March 27, so attend that event too if can you can.
Training
Finally, the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits (MCN) will offer a variety of workshops on the rules related to nonprofit advocacy and the upcoming legislative session. Visit MCN's website to learn more about advocacy training around the state.
--Sara Grafstrom, Director of Advocacy and Community Relations