Public Policy & Advocacy

What is Public Policy and Advocacy?

Public policy addresses a public issue through laws, regulations, and programs developed by governments to solve problems. Being involved in public policy means informing, educating, and advising the general public and policymakers, like elected officials, about the nature of problems, ideas to address problems, and the costs associated with providing services or conducting research to make changes. Advocacy is speaking out about an issue that impacts you. Advocacy in public policy can mean talking to a legislature about a law, talking to an advisory committee making decisions, talking to a reporter, sharing your story on social media with others, and more.

 

What Public Policy and Advocacy Work Does The Arc of Texas Do?

Some of our activities include:

  • Monitoring federal and state legislation
  • Researching, evaluating, and analyzing laws, regulations, and programs
  • Tracking state legislation, regulation, and programs
  • Informing, educating, and advising the general public, state agencies, and members of the Texas Legislature
  • Supporting and encouraging Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to talk to the public and legislators about issues important to them
  • Promoting The Arc of Texas policy positions to the general public, state agencies, and members of the Texas Legislature.

How Can I Get Involved in Public Policy and Advocacy?

People with IDD, their family members, and their allies should get involved in their local, state, and federal governments on the issues important to them. By telling your own story, you can effect positive change benefitting all Texans with IDD. In the disability community, we call this advocacy.

 

 

Public Policy Priorities

What we are working on

Advocacy Toolkit

Learn how to advocate

Who Represents You?

Learn your elected officials