How Self-Advocates Build Relationships with Legislators

Uniting for Change continues to grow the self-advocacy movement in Georgia by staying connected during the pandemic and learning more about how to build relationships with legislators so that our voices are heard.

Strength means being strong no matter what comes my way.Since the pandemic, Uniting for Change has worked through many barriers to stay connected virtually through Zoom and other technologies. Community Strong has been a wonderful way for us to gather each week for fun, learning and staying strong. During a recent Community Strong gathering, advocate Ratiel Shepherd said, “Strength means being strong no matter what comes my way.” We would love for this to include all self-advocates across the state, and we look forward to meeting more.

This COVID-19 experience has also provided us opportunities to learn how to use technology to connect with each other in ways other than having to drive long distances to meet with folks. This will be helpful as we rise up and speak out during the legislative session starting in January. It is important that we all know who our legislators are and that we introduce ourselves by writing to them or calling them. We can let them know what is important to us and what we need in waiver services so that we can live our lives the way we want.

It is important that we all know who our legislators are and that we introduce ourselves by writing to them or calling them.

Uniting for Change is a statewide self-advocacy network committed to advocating, organizing, showing up and being heard. Uniting for Change envisions a community where all people belong and are heard – a place where people are involved, speak out, make their own choices, are seen as equal and stay true to their destinies! We are united. We want change!

To join us and expand self-advocacy across Georgia, sign up for our online mailing list.

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