Things to Know Before You Go
Speak Up to Your Legislators
Ask your legislators to increase affordable I/DD-compatible residential options and increase reimbursement rates for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who care for your loved one in the community, at work, and in residential settings to stabilize the workforce.
Wear Your Green A-Team T-shirt
Need a shirt? If you are a family member of a loved one with I/DD, please email us with your shirt size. If you work for a provider agency, please talk with your administrator about how you can get a shirt. A-Team will not be distributing T-shirts at Advocacy Day.
Fill Out a "Share Your Story" Card
New this year—A-Team "Share Your Story" cards to hand to your Representative and Senator!
Pick up your card in person at Advocacy Day or download it here (two-sided PDF).
Advocacy Day Schedule
Please arrive as early as you can in order to get a parking space, and allow for downtime in between meetings, photo opportunity, and start of legislative session. Go here for directions to Legislative Hall, parking directions, and instructions on how to enter the building.
Noon—1:00 p.m.
Visit the A-Team table on the second floor. Pick up your "Share Your Story" card to deliver to the office of your Representative and Senator.
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Meet with your Senator and/or Representative if you scheduled a meeting, mingle w/ other A-Team members, and browse Legislative Hall. Want to schedule a meeting with your legislators? See below for detailed instructions.
1:15 p.m.
Gather on the inside steps of Legislative Hall for the now-famous "Green Wave of Advocacy" photo.
2:00 p.m. (Approx.)
Enter the Senate/House chambers to hear a proclamation honoring Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
Departure time is up to each A-Team member.
How to Schedule a Meeting with Your State Leaders
First, find out who your LOCAL Senator and Representative are here. Please note: The FEDERAL leaders in Washington, DC are not the same as your local, STATE leaders.
Before Advocacy Day:
-
Type in your home address where it says ADDRESS. The name and email address for your Senator and Representative for your district will appear.
-
E-mail them to ask if they can meet with you for 10 minutes between noon and 1:30 p.m. on May 21.
-
Find out where there office is located at Legislative Hall.
-
Complete two "Share Your Story" cards (one for your Senator and one for your Rep) to hand to them when you meet them.
On Advocacy Day:
-
Upon arrival, find an A-team member holding a MEET YOUR LEGISLATOR sign, and they will guide you to their office(s).
-
If you are not able to meet with your Senator or Representative, you can still complete the attached card and leave it in their office on May 21.
Any questions? Email ateamofde@gmail.com or info@ateamde.org
Downstate help needed! Do you live in Kent or Sussex county? If you are willing to host a meet and greet, please let us know! We'd love to help you organize a downstate gathering!