7 Reasons You Are Absolutely Required to Educate Policymakers

Rachel Patterson, MPA
AUCD Policy Analyst

You're tired of hearing it.

Washington is "broken". 
Hyper-partisanship. Ugh
We're tired of writing it.

But this means it's even more important to get involved.

Here's 7 reasons why:

1. You know disability issues.

You're in training programs, you research and teach about disability issues, you work with people with disabilities, you have disabilities yourselves. You know what's going on.

Only you can tell this story.

You know what’s working and what’s not working.

2. They want to hear from you.

Members of Congress care deeply about their constituents. They want to know what’s going on in their states and districts and it’s your job to tell them. Plus, they want to get re-elected.

Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121.

If anyone tells you that Congress only listens to lobbyists and other powerful influences… well….

3. AUCD is here to help.

AUCD has an Action Center, Policy Pages, or Hill Visit Tips.

4. It's easy!

Set up meeting, send an email, tweet – anything! AUCD’s Action Center links you directly to your members’ phone number, email, and social media. And, as we covered in point #2, they want to hear from you.

Way easier than this.

More like this. 

5. Then you get to hold them accountable for what they told you.

And even build a relationship where they call you when they have disability questions.

6. You might just change things.

And feel awesome…

We'll be so proud

7. Even if you disagree with your current representatives you should still meet with them, learn about the issues, and educate your neighbors. Then vote for someone else.

And then next time someone wants to know about policy, you can be all:

Convinced? TAKE ACTION!