The most powerful message a person can communicate to legislators and other decision makers is their own. Telling your story is an important part of helping decision makers understand the impact of their decisions.
Below is a listing of resources to help you get started in telling your story:
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Crisis
Day programs in Minnesota can make their voices heard in area newspapers and online. Here are some sample letters to get the ideas flowing on the topic of the DSP crisis.
Please be sensitive to editor requests regarding length, and always include a name, phone number and email so they can verify your letter. Happy writing!
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities through their Partners in Policymaking program and website provides resources to help individuals become stronger advocates.
Telling Your Story App
The Partners program has developed an app for a variety of devices which will help walk you through the process of developing your own story with tips and guidance as well as opportunities to record and practice your story. It can be downloaded from the following locations:
The iPad version of the app is available free at the iTunes Store
The iPhone/iPod Touch version is also available free at the iTunes Store
The Android tablet version is available free from Google Play
The Android phone version is available free from Google Play
The Kindle Fire HD version is available at Amazon.com
On-line Courses
The partners program has a series of on-line courses covering several disability policy related areas including a 3 hour course on Making your Case. The courses can be accessed at http://partnersonlinecourses.com/
Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) website has advocacy resources including on information and tips about meeting with a legislator or testifying at a hearing. Information on Tuesdays at the Capitol can also be found there.