I was happy to see so many of you at the Spring Conference in St. Cloud. So much great information was shared, providing all of us with new learning (and networking) opportunities. I hope to see as many of you as possible at the Legislative Retreat in Alexandria August 22-23.
These are just two of the many benefits I hope you are taking advantage of as MOHR members. In August, we will be looking for your ideas as we begin to set our legislative agenda for 2025. It’s also an opportunity for you to hear what is happening at the state and federal levels that has a direct impact on our members.
As you look to the year ahead - and we hope your continued membership in MOHR - I want to share with you why my organization finds value in our MOHR membership, and why I and other members of the leadership team give so many hours to ensure this organization consistently provides value to you.
- As the saying goes, there is power in numbers, and power in ideas. You represent every corner of Minnesota, from organizations large and small, and with visions of how best to support the people you serve. By attending our Spring Conference and the Legislative Retreat, you help shape the agenda for the year ahead, in addition to hearing about the latest trends in our field of work, best practices and how to work through the challenges we all face.
- Your membership gives you a voice at the state capitol where we have had success on the path to modernizing reimbursement rates, boosting the state’s investment for adults with disabilities, and working with state agencies to improve policies that directly impact our work and the people we serve. Our combined resources pay for Fredrickson & Bryon’s services as they lobby directly and effectively on our behalf.
- Your membership also gives you a seat the table on the federal level with our membership in ANCOR, which is working to update the Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC). ANCOR is also working to address workforce issues, federal under-investment, and other areas in which the federal government impacts our work.
- We offer training for our members – including how to engage with your state legislators to more effectively tell your story in a way that best represents your needs. This includes templates and materials, so you don’t have to re-invent the wheel every time you want to write a letter or need an FAQ to leave behind with a candidate, State Representative or State Senator.
- We’ve developed partnerships with other organizations that give our members increased impact at the state level. You’ve seen it yourself if you have been to the annual Day at the Capitol, which is a highlight for both staff and the people we serve, and provides an opportunity for you to speak directly to your legislators. Our power is truly visible to lawmakers on that day.
- Your membership helps engage the services of a public relations firm that helps us inform the media of our positions, member successes and individual achievements through our annual awards recognizing the best among us and our partners. This also includes this monthly newsletter to keep you up to date on events that benefit you, monthly training, and highlights from the media.
- We hope that you are also taking advantage of the many opportunities you have with MOHR to grow your leadership and networking skills by participating in one of our many committees. This is where you can share your ideas and learn from others, as well as shape MOHR initiatives. Our Workforce and Grassroots subcommittees are especially in need, and we have several other GAC subcommittees that also need members to help ideate strategies for funding, day services, transportation and more.
This is an all-volunteer organization, which means your membership dollars do not go to pay staff or leadership. Your membership dues go directly to initiatives and resources that benefit you in very real ways. We are forever grateful to our members, and we hope that you are taking advantage of all your membership affords you and your organizations. We value you and we look forward to seeing you again in August!
