Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Lobby Day will be on March 6th, 2013
Lobby Day is a chance for everyday Minnesota citizens to stand up and advocate for the concerns of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. It provides people like you a chance to participate in the legislative process and speak up about concerns close to them. Legislators cannot know the importance of these issues unless they ‘hear’ from you. Your stories and testimonies are what make a difference.
But not only is Lobby Day an excellent advocacy opportunity, it is a chance to meet other citizen activists, to learn about the legislative issues that affect our needs and to unite as a community.
The Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans has identified several bills we wish to pass this year. But it is your participation in our Lobby Day will help make the difference in having these bills passed.
Significant changes to budget and program priorities are being proposed in the Minnesota Legislature this year. The needs of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing will easily be overlooked unless we speak up. This is your chance.
Registration
Registration is free, but required of all attendees. This is needed to manage accommodations and legislative appointments.
But I don’t know how to lobby!
Lobby Day is an opportunity for everyday citizens like you to have an opportunity to experience the legislative process. We will provide training to help you learn how to speak to your legislators, and talking points to walk you through it. Our experienced Team Leaders will be willing to assist you at all times; including helping you meet with your legislators.
We also provide a free online self-study video course "Making Your Case" which will teach you how to advocate. It is offered in ASL, with Spoken English and Captioning provided. Check it out now!
Trainings
We will have three training sessions for those interested in attending. You can sign up to any of the training sessions when you register.
Saturday February 23rd: Pre-lobby day training at the Kelly Inn. We will answer questions about the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing bills and role play meetings with legislators.
9:00 to 11:00 Deaf, Hard of Hearing Families and Supporters
12:00 to 2:30 DeafBlind and their families
March 6th Lobby Day: Introductory Training
8:30 to 9:30 Roll Play meetings with legislators at the Capitol
Please note: The Lobby Day training is limited to 100 attendees. Register now to ensure your seat!
What will happen during Lobby Day?
Noon Rally
The Rally is an opportunity to come together and show a community united in support behind the programs and bills which benefit the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing. Key Legislators, Community Leaders and Advocates will be present at our Rally to provide inspiration, and awards will be presented to key advocates.
Legislative Meetings from 9am-4pm
You can request an appointment with your legislators during registration, with the accommodations that you request. We will handle the scheduling and accommodations for you.
It is strongly encouraged that you register early in order to arrange a meeting with your legislators. The legislators are very busy, and we will need to ensure we have the opportunity to schedule a meeting with them.
Volunteering
Volunteers are needed in order to ensure the day goes smoothly. We need volunteers to help greet participants, manage registrations and schedules, and act as Team Leaders helping people meet with their legislators. Training will be provided for volunteers. All you need to do is use our registration form to sign up!
Make a difference. Register today to attend our Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Lobby Day!
| Register Now! |
Registration is free, but is requested for all attendees. This is needed to confirm accomodations and legislative appointments.
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
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