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> How to Contact Policy Makers
Families who advocate for change in the laws and policies that impact children with disabilities are an important part of the legislative process. Without the input from family advocates, policy makers would not be aware of the day-to-day issues and challenges that families face. Families often take different roles of involvement in legislative issues. The extent of their involvement depends on each family's situation and the time that they can devote to these issues. Some families stay informed by reading newsletters or visiting Web sites that address legislative topics. Other families choose to become actively involved in helping pass new laws or advocating for changes in current laws. No matter what level of involvement the family has, there will most likely be a time where they need to contact their policy maker, such as their State House or Senate Representative. The following offers information about different ways to contact policy makers in order to advocate for change.
This article contains links to other resources and organizations that may be of assistance to people with disabilities. The Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) attempts to verify that the links referenced are helpful for people with disabilities. However, OLRS does not guarantee that the information provided within the destination link is accurate or right for the particular needs of the person. Once you follow a link away from the OLRS Web site, refer to that site's privacy policy and disclaimer statements.
Part of learning about legislation and policy is understanding the legislative process. The OLRS Web site offers information about how a bill becomes a law in Ohio and about the Ohio budget process. Also, learn the words that advocates commonly use by reading the Advocacy Glossary from the NPAction.org Web site.
Before you begin finding and contacting your policy makers, be sure you are clear about the issue or bill that you are advocating for. You can read bills and keep track of their status on-line. State bills are available on the Ohio General Assembly Web site and Federal bills are available on-line at Library of Congress Web site. You can also check with other advocacy organizations for their views on particular bills and issues.
Find out who your policy makers are. Policy makers are found at the federal, state, county, and local level, such as your U.S. Senators and Congressional representatives, your Ohio Senate or House representative, your county commissioner, and the mayor of the town you live in. The following are links to some resources to help find your policy maker.
You can also find contact information in the government section of the phone book.
Once you have determined who your policy makers are, you should develop a relationship with them by writing to them and letting them know who you are and what you represent. Ask for a meeting to discuss the particular issue that you have in mind. Prompt them as to what will be specifically discussed. Also, find out where they stand on disability issues. Do they keep up on these issues? Do they realize the importance of supporting families of children with disabilities? Tell them that you have a child with a disability and that you could be a resource for them about disability issues.
Attending and speaking before groups of policy makers is another way to voice your opinion. Take advantage of these opportunities by having a brief, concise speech prepared in advance. The following are a few opportunities that you can pursue.
Letters to policy makers will have a greater impact if the following suggestions are used. These suggestions apply to all types of written communication, whether it is by letter, e-mail, or fax.
Keep track of all your correspondences, whether they are letters, e-mails, phone conversations, personal appointments, or public testimonies. List the names, addresses, and dates of each contact. Note the highlights of the meeting. When appropriate, send a thank you letter and remember to follow up with any actions that you said you would do. Keep in touch with your contact, but don't be overbearing. Remember that you want your contact to seek you as a resource just as much as you are seeking them as one.