TASH has created an advocacy training lead-up to its 2014 Capitol Hill Day in Washington, DC. The training series consists of six online sessions, each building your capacity and confidence in being an effective advocate before your U.S. senator or representative.
All training sessions will be held at 5 p.m. ET on the following days: May 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5 and 12 (all on Thursdays). Though live trainings offer a rich media experience with the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, all sessions will be archived and available to view 24/7 via Adobe Connect.
Currently, these are the bills in front of Congress that will be discussed with Congressional representatives June 17th. This list is subject to change:
- Keeping All Students Safe Act (HR 1893: S 2036) – this bill sets limits on how restraint and seclusion are used in public schools
- Reauthorization of Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – addresses equity for students with disabilities
- Reauthorization of Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which includes the Rehabilitation Act and authorizes Vocational Rehabilitation
- Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of 2013 – this bill ends subminimum wage
- Passage of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
If you’ve never met with congressional offices before, this is an ideal way to become familiar with this important aspect of citizenry. Congressional offices respect and want to hear the views of their constituents. They are especially interested in understanding how people’s lives are impacted by laws they are considering. Your visits will be well received and have an impact on decision making. Participating in Capitol Hill Day also promotes a deeper understanding of the role you play as an advocate, both nationally and on a state level. TASH members must work to influence state and federal legislation or TASH priorities will not be considered in legislative decision making.
View the complete agenda below.
Claiming Your Rights and Responsibilities to Act on Federal Policy
May 8 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Dave Westling, Barb Trader and Jenny Stonemeier
Learning Objectives:
- Why meet with Congressional members?
- What’s in it for me?
- TASH’s Legislative Agenda
Homework for next session: Participants will assess the condition in their home states for alignment with TASH’s Legislative Agenda.
TASH’s Past and Current Victories in Federal Policy
May 15 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Allison Wohl, Barb Trader and Madeleine Will
Learning Objectives:
- What is different in current practice because of TASH?
- What legislation and regulation has been influenced by TASH?
- How does TASH act to influence change and in what way does your participation matter?
- Review and discuss homework
Homework for next session: Participants will find evidence these changes are working/not working in their state.
TASH’s Legislative Agenda – The Difference We Seek for People, Part I
May 22 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Lisa Mills, Barb Trader and Jenny Stonemeier
Learning Objectives:
- Review and discuss homework
- Understand TASH’s positions on: the Keeping all Students Safe Act; the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act; and Home and Community Based Waiver reform
Homework for next session: Participants will read all TASH Issue briefs before the next session.
Scheduling Visits and Getting to Know your Members of Congress
May 29 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Esmé Grant and Jenny Stonemeier
Learning Objectives:
- Review and discuss homework
- Learn how (and why) to research information about Congressional members before a visit
- Learn how to schedule visits with Representatives and Senators
Homework for next session: Schedule visits with three members of Congress for June 17 in DC, or in home offices; and complete a check list on each.
TASH’s Legislative Agenda – The Difference We Seek for People, Part II
June 5 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Allison Wohl, Rhonda Neuhaus and Jenny Stonemeier
Learning Objectives:
- Review and discuss homework
- Understand TASH’s positions on: TEAM Acts, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; ABLE Act
Homework for next session: Participants will continue to schedule visits and conduct research.
Making the “Ask” – Managing a Visit with Your Member of Congress
June 12 at 5 p.m. ET
Presented by Barb Trader and Cynthia Jarrold
Learning Objectives:
- Review and discuss homework
- Learn about the five main parts of a Congressional meeting
- Understand the logistics of Capitol Hill Day
Homework : Prepare and practice talking points with others joining you on your visits.