Make Getting Involved Your New Year's Resolution
By Sabine Ingerson
While I was busy baking Christmas cookies, following recipes and measuring ingredients a thought came to my mind. Some of my recipes have been passed down through generations with each one making changes along the way. Every year I also experiment with something new. While I was baking I realized how this was similar to advocacy.
You might ask what the two have in common? Well, a combination of different ingredients result in different cookies, so, depending on the holiday we are baking for, we use different spices and special recipes. Depending on what advocacy goal we want to achieve, we use different means to bring about change, building upon tactics handed down to us by others.
Most cookies have some combination of flour, sugar, eggs and butter. Most advocacy efforts include speaking to elected officials, sending action alerts/letters, talking to friends and colleagues, writing a press release, forming community action committees, getting an elected official to sponsor a bill, speaking to groups and voting.
On December 19, four NYS Senators invited the public to a forum at SUNY Oswego to talk about the impact of the proposed budget cuts. Many directors spoke, but the most impressive presentations were those done by individuals who would be directly impacted by reduced funding. I was very proud of Lisa Seguin, Senior Service Coordinator at ARISE and mother of a child with a developmental disability, as well as Tammy Elowsky, a mother and member of the Family Support Services Council. Their testimony came from the heart and it was obvious that the Senators were paying attention.
Not everyone will take the opportunity to speak in front of a large group, but everyone can vote, talk to others and send their heartfelt letters. I invite you to join the Self-Advocacy Group at ARISE. Our next meeting is on January 16th 12 – 1 p.m.
Start the New Year with a renewed interest in getting involved. Become part of what makes Independent Living Centers such a driving force in removing barriers to a fair and just society. Remember we need all types of ingredients to make a good product. We start with a recipe we have received, but you can add your experiences and ideas to improve it.
For more information about how you two can make a difference, or to join the Self-Advocacy Group at ARISE, please call Jim Cronk at (315) 342-4088 extension 211. If you would rather work from your computer, contact Sue Diesing and have her send you action alerts you can email to the elected officials. Sue can be reached at sdiesing@ariseinc.org. She will also be glad to explain the different issues to you.