Influencing Elected Officials & Decision Makers
T.J. SutcliffeMatt Rosen
Goals of the PresentationTo educate you about the processes
and opportunities to improve the systems and services that affect you.
To empower you to live into your role as “agents of change”
“Influencing Decision Makers” ModelWhat is asolution?
Did it
work?
What isthe
problem?
Who canhelp?(public official)
TakeACTION!
Celebrate!
Plan yourACTION!
START
Identify the Problem(s)What needs are not
being met?What rights are not
being respected?What barriers are
keeping you from your goals?
Be truthful, to the point, and understandable.
Identify the Solution(s)What service or support
would meet your needs?How would you change
another’s action or behavior so that everyone’s rights are respected?
Again, be truthful, to the point, and understandable.
Who needs to be influenced?Types of decision
makers: Service Providers Elected Officials You and other
consumers
It is necessary that all three groups work together, even if we do not agree.
Plan your ActionBuild a coalition.Assign roles and
responsibilities.Understand the opposition.Understand the financial
impact on individuals and the community.
Determine the best messenger(s).
Develop a compelling story
Take Action!Implement the plan as you have laid it out
with the coalition.
Evaluate your ActionWhat is working?How can we be more
effective?How is our message being
received?What are others (locally
and nationally) doing?
Celebrate your Accomplishments
Every step towards justice is worth celebrating!Acknowledging our accomplishments keeps
everyone energized and empowered.
Ongoing Opportunities
Participate in activities with the Developmental Disabilities Council, Project ACTION!, and other community advocacy groups.
Attend Agency Meetings and Advisory Board Meetings.
Testify at legislative, oversight and budget hearings.
VOTE!
Tips for Effective ActionBe prepared with facts and how they impact
you, other individuals and the community.Build trust and be respectful (even in
disagreement) with decision makers.Be clear on what you want and focus on what
is important to you.Prepare statements and practice before
meetings or testifying.Ask for help from other advocates…
Numbers=Power.Understand the power structure.
Matt RosenDirector of Advocacy and Public PolicyThe Arc of [email protected]
T.J. SutcliffePolicy AdvocateThe Arc of the United [email protected]
