Advocacy 101
Learn more how you can get involved in your community and advocate for issues you are passionate about.Your Voice Matters in Advocacy
One of our key roles is to keep you informed about policy decisions that impact your life and to educate legislators who often don’t know the challenges you face. But we need your voice to help tell the story. You don’t need to be an expert—you’re the expert on your own life. Share how meals, transportation, in-home care, and medications help you stay well and independent. Legislators need to hear it from you!
Questions about advocacy issues?
Here are some resources to help guide you in effective advocacy.
Know the make-up of your government and the process for Legislative change.
- How does a bill become a law?
- Who are my Legislators?
- Know the “who’s who” of your legislature
- Find out what laws and legislation are being discussed, as well as important dates
Effective advocacy also requires effective communication.
- What can I do?
- How to speak and/or write effectively to your legislature
- Why Legislators need to hear from you
- Advocacy vs. Lobbying
Know the facts of Voting and ensure your vote is counted.
- Upcoming elections in your area or statewide
- Where do I vote?
- How to register and what your voting options are
- Tracking your ballot
Need Help Advocating? We’re Here for You!
If you’re unsure how to share your story or connect with legislators, don’t worry—we can help! We’ll walk you through the process, from crafting your message to finding your legislators and sharing helpful resources, including our own advocacy tools. Your voice matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Transition Advocacy
DID YOU KNOW? One of the services provided by ADRCs is to support young adults with disabilities while they are still in school and as they make the transition to adulthood by helping them connect to programs and services in the community. Students are supported in...
Advocacy in Action – Caregiving
"One person caring for another represents life's greatest value." -Jim Rohn Odds are, at some point in your life you have been a caregiver for a friend or family member. If so, you are likely aware of what an incredible joy and challenge it can be. ...
Advocacy in Action: ADRC Reinvestment
History and Future of ADRCsIf you are used to spending time at your local ADRC or have perhaps worked with an Information and Assistance Specialist or a Benefit Specialist, it may surprise you to learn that ADRCs are relatively new to Wisconsin. The first ADRCs opened...
Advocacy Resources
- EClick to Read More
Resources with this icon can be clicked to learn more.
AARP
ABC for Health
Disability Rights Wisconsin
Information & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities
List of organizations that assist persons with disabilities and their families. They help with finding services, assistive technology, and support groups in addition to providing education and advocacy on disability related issues, and so much more.
Medicare Rights Center
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Survival Coalition of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN)
Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
Wisconsin FACETS
Recursos en Español - Spanish
Información y Abogacía Para Personas Con Discapacidades y Sus Familias
(Information & Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities)