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.

Messages for CEOs, executive directors, and managers

• Tell your story about how your agency's services or programs positively impact the lives of the people you serve. Talk about the social and economic value you bring to your community.

• Talk about how legislation passed during the 2011 session negatively impacted your agency (e.g., bed de-licensing and the 10 percent congregate rate cut).

• Private providers take an entrepreneurial approach and are leading the effort to innovate and redesign the delivery of core services for Minnesotans with disabilities. (Use ARRM's Blueprint for Reform and the one-pager for legislators to help you illustrate your key points.)

• If you use monitoring technology, let legislators know that it is a cost-effective alternative that allows people to live more independently.

• Talk about other specific regulatory reforms that are more efficient.

• The ask: “We are committed redesigning the way services to people with disabilities are delivered to empower them, create a marketplace that reduces bureaucracy, and make sure taxpayers get the most value for their dollar. Please repeal bed de-licensing, which hurts providers and the people they serve, and adopt the common-sense solutions in ARRM's reform plan.”

Professional caregivers/DSPs

• Tell your story about how your work positively impacts the lives of the people you serve. Use ARRM's DSP storytelling tool to help you illustrate your key points.

• Talk about how recent budget cuts impact you and/or the people you serve.

• The ask: “People are still hurting – this is how past budget cuts have hurt me as a DSP and the people I serve.” If comfortable talking about ARRM’s reform plan, mention “We need reform now,” and share ARRM’s Blueprint for Reform and other relevant documents with the legislator.

Family members

• Talk about your family member(s), the important roles they play in their community, and how any budget cuts have affected them.

• Discuss how the agency that serves your loved one positively impacts their life, and helps them make significant contributions to their local community. (Use ARRM's grassroots tool for families to help you organize and illustrate your key points.)

• The ask: “Preserve core services for people with disabilities to maintain quality care.”

Self-advocates

• Talk about your job you hold or the volunteer work you do in your community.

• Discuss how the agency that serves you positively impacts your life, and how any budget cuts have affected you.

For more information:
Sara Grafstrom,
Director of Advocacy and Community Relations
sgrafstrom@arrm.org
651-291-1086, ext. 8