How to Engage in Advocacy During the 2022 August Congressional Recess
Each year, our national legislators in Congress recess for the month of August. They take this time away from Congress to return to their home states and, often, use the time to meet with constituents, attend events or participate in Town Hall meetings. This mid-year recess is an opportunity for advocates to engage their legislators and share their views, concerns and perspectives. (Click here to learn more about the annual August Recess.)
The Arc of the United States recently shared a document with ideas and methods for engaging with elected legislators. Here are some ideas.
Check the website of your members of Congress to see what options they have to connect with constituents this month. You may find in-person or virtual options. [Click here to identify your members of Congress.]
Connect on Twitter! Snap a picture, post it on social media with a sentence or two about what you are advocating for, and tag your members of Congress. You can find a list of Congressional Twitter handles here: https://tinyurl.com/4fk8r6ae.
Join town hall meetings hosted by your representatives and senators, encourage advocates to join, and ask questions about issues that are important to the disability community. You can find upcoming town hall meetings at townhallproject.com.
Say thank you. Have your members of Congress recently supported legislation that is important to you? Thank them! Write an email, send a letter, or snap a picture to share on social media, tagging them in your thank you message.
Connect with The Arc to join an in-person or virtual meeting with your legislators. Introduce yourself and talk about issues that are important to you and your family. [The Arc of Snohomish County can help connect you. Email us!]
Draft an email to share your story and important issues with your legislators. You can also share your story and tag your legislators on social media.
Learn more about policy issues of Federal importance on The Arc U.S. website at thearc.org/policy-advocacy.
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Whitney Stohr is the Leadership & Independent Living Program Manager at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is especially interested in caregiving policy and advocacy. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent and family caregivers. She lives with her spouse and their four-year-old son Malachi in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.