Messages

Frame your conversations in the context of the value -- or importance -- of what you do for your community and people. Talk about this value often and with conviction, so that the public and elected officials understand the necessity of quality, person-centered services for Minnesotans with disabilities. Remember: The goal of grassroots advocacy is to put a human face on the issue.

Four things to remember when talking to your legislator:

• Always begin with: “I am your constituent … ”

• Be authentic; speak from the heart.

• Offer to be a resource on disability issues. In addition, please contact ARRM if your legislator has further questions that you aren’t able to address (like policy issues).

• Thank your legislator for their time.

Summer grassroots messages for CEOs, Executive Directors, and managers
When telling your story to elected officials, be sure to talk about not only the social value you bring to your community, but the economic value, too. Ask the legislator what his/her top priorities are, and find things or you have in common (like church, scouts, etc.).

• You prioritized people with disabilities during the 2010 legislative session by not voting for deep cuts to our programs and services. Thank you! We know it was a difficult decision, but the right one.

• Tell your story about how your agency's services or programs positively impact the lives of the people you serve.

• Minnesota’s service system is efficient and effective, and caring for Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens is a core government service. Please don’t balance the budget by cutting services that people with disabilities need to live meaningful lives.

• We know that our shared challenge is to serve more people with disabilities, do it better, and for less cost. We’re working with other providers on a plan to make the delivery of our services more efficient, saving the state money in the long run. Please let me know if you’d like to hear more about ARRM’s transformation plan.

Professional Caregivers
Discuss type of people you support in your work (range of disabilities) and the value of supporting them. Talk about the changes you have made in your own life as a result of the budget cuts (e.g. how it affects your pay and health insurance), how the budget cuts impact people with disabilities.

• You prioritized people with disabilities during the 2010 legislative session by not voting for deep cuts to programs and services for people with disabilities. Thank you! We know it was a difficult decision, but the right one.

• Tell your story about how how your agency's services or programs positively impact the lives of the people you serve.

• Caring for Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens is a core government service. Please don’t balance the budget by cutting services that people with disabilities need to live meaningful lives.

Family Members
Talk about your family member(s) and how the budget cuts affect them. Discuss the important roles they play in their community, and ask for no more cuts to disability services.

• You prioritized people with disabilities during the 2010 legislative session by not voting for deep cuts programs and services that affect the care of my loved one. Thank you! We know it was a difficult decision, but the right one.

• Tell your story about how the agency that serves your loved one positively impacts their life.