Have a Heart
for The Arc Day

Join The Arc of Texas on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 2024, for our annual statewide advocacy event. Help spread the word about disability rights!


RSVP


Check Out the Toolkit


Watch: About the Event (60-seconds)

About the Event
A fun way to spread the word about disability rights!

Have a Heart for The Arc is a chance to highlight issues facing Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Chapters of The Arc of Texas, people with IDD, and their families are encouraged to join the fun by delivering valentines to their state representatives and legislative candidates to remind them to “Have a Heart for The Arc” and protect the human rights of Texans with IDD!

The event aims to: 1) Provide you with an understanding of key issues impacting Texans with IDD, and how your advocacy and vote are essential to our mission. 2) Build relationships with state legislators and candidates by delivering Valentine’s Day goodies and our policy priorities (print in color or print in black-and-white). Let them know people with disabilities are an important part of their constituency!

Watch 60-Second Videos
A quick way to learn more


This video thumbnail has a red background with photos of people with disabilities that says have a heart for the arc valentine's day February 14th about the event. Click the thumbnail to access the video.


This video thumbnail has a purple background with photos of hearts and a screenshot of a form that says who represents me. At the top is says let’s find your state reps and website wrm.capitol.texas.gov. Click the thumbnail to access the video.


This video thumbnail has a blue, yellow and orange background with The Arc of Texas’ logo. It says our policy priorities in less than one minute and The Arc of Texas for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click the thumbnail to access the video.

How to Participate
The event toolkit makes it easy and fun!

Watch the three 60-second videos above about the event, and check out the event toolkit for everything you need to complete the six steps below — from tips and tools, to templates and talking points:

1. Identify your state legislators and/or candidates.
2. Schedule an appointment with them for Feb. 14, 2024.
3. Practice your message – use our talking points.
4. Prepare Valentine’s Day cards/goodies to deliver with our policy priorities.
5. Meet with your state legislators and/or candidates on Feb. 14, 2024.
6. Thank them afterward via email/mail, or mention them on social media.

YOU Are Essential to Our Mission
From all of us at The Arc of Texas, thank you!

Public Policy vs. Advocacy

Public policy addresses a public issue through laws, regulations, and programs developed by governments. Advocacy is when you inform policymakers about issues you care about so they understand how their decisions impact people's lives. LEARN MORE

Learn How to Advocate

Want to learn more about how to advocate confidently and strategically? Check out our "Legislative Advocacy Toolkit" intended to help you have conversations with legislators anytime! This toolkit is general -- not specific to an event or issue. GET THE TOOLKIT

Remember to Vote

Elected officials have the power to impact the lives of Texans with disabilities positively or negatively. YOU have the power to help determine who gets elected. The Primary election is March 5, 2024 (early voting Feb. 20–March 1). OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

Stay Connected
Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media for more advocacy opportunities!

Subscribe to our emails and follow us on social media to receive advocacy opportunities as they arise.

We love it when you share our posts and mention @TheArcOfTexas in yours! Post about why you’re participating in this event, photos of your Valentine’s Day goodies, and pics of your meetings with legislators and/or candidates!

Find us on these platforms:

Use these hashtags and mention us by tagging @TheArcOfTexas:

#HaveAHeartForTheArcTX
#TxLege
#Disabilities

If you have questions or need assistance, please email publicpolicy@thearcoftexas.org or call 512-454-6694.