Advocacy Training
The Arc believes that people with disabilities and their families are, by far, the best voices for change. Your personal stories are what will truly make a difference. Our Governmental Affairs team is here to teach you how to effectively advocate for yourself or the people you care about.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HELPED US SHARE THE VISION
for a better world!
Throughout the 81st Legislative session volunteers from across the state have helped Share the Vision for a better world with The Arc of Texas. The more than half a million Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities along with their families know that discrimination and other barriers affect their lives on a regular basis. Through Arc Days at the Capitol we have shown legislators that we promote better policies and laws for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities all the time. Thank you to all who have joined us! You make a difference!-your help is what makes us successful!
Just because the 81st session is over does not mean the work is done! The interim is actually the most important time for advocates! To find how to be involved during the interim contact Ginger Mayeaux at gmayeaux@thearcoftexas.org or 512-454-6694.
Advocacy Training Schedule
If you would like to host or participate in an advocacy training, contact Ginger Mayeaux at
gmayeaux@thearcoftexas.org.
Welcome Letter to Advocates:
Basic Legislative and Systems Change Advocacy - Spanish Edition
The Arc of Texas is excited to have been awarded the Specialized Advocacy Training Grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities. The grant is designed to "evolve traditional disability advocacy strategies to match modern political circumstances". The grant is currently focused on three areas: El Paso, Houston, and Corpus Christi. A number of advocates in these areas will be trained on Basic Legislative and Systems Change Advocacy. In addition, a smaller number of advocates in these communities will be trained on advanced advocacy. The advanced training will provide the building blocks to form "Local Advocacy Collaborations". These collaborations will help educate and gain support from their local legislators. If you would like more information, please contact: Ginger Mayeaux at gmayeaux@thearcoftexas.org
*Financial Support for the Specialized Advocacy Training Grant is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds made available by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
*($56,251) (82%) DD Funds; ($11,934) (18%) non-federal resources.
The Arc of Texas is the oldest and largest nonprofit, volunteer organization in the state committed to creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be included in their communities. The Arc supports families, advances public policies, provides training programs, and builds a statewide network of advocates.
Since our founding in 1950 by a group of parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, The Arc of Texas has been instrumental in the creation of virtually every program, service, right, and benefit that is now available to more than half a million Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Today, The Arc continues to advocate for including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of society.
The Arc of Texas envisions a world where...
- All people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are fully included in their families, neighborhoods, communities, and schools.
- Quality supports and services responds to their needs and personal choices.
One of the most effective tools for moving our issues forward is advocacy. It is important for us to tell our stories in ways that move policy makers to make real, positive change for our friends, families, neighbors, community members, or for ourselves. This primer is meant to be a guide to legislative basics as you become involved in issues important to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The most important piece of the puzzle is you, the advocate, as you participate in strengthening the voices of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our hope is that your participation in the advocacy process will be ongoing - writing to elected officials, telling your story to decision makers, talking to the media, attending community hearings and forums - as we work to make a lasting impression on services and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Texas. Thank you for your willingness to get involved!
