Self-Advocacy: Contacting Your Legislators 101

This workshops aims to provide updates and preparatory information regarding the upcoming 2021 Regular Session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Recognizing that a virtual legislative session creates additional challenges for community participation and feedback, we are motivated to ensure VOCAL peers still have the opportunity to make their voices heard. We also understand the time constraints on our legislators during the 30 day session and believe that sooner, rather than later, is best for advocates’ feedback on proposed policy.

The workshop will include: an overview of the legislative process and how this has been altered due to the coronavirus, a review of the bills and policies passed during the 2020 Special Session, and a discussion of currently (as of December 22) proposed behavioral healthcare policies. Following this, the facilitator will lead the group in structuring and wording an advocacy email, letter, or phone call script to share with their elected representatives. After the didactic portions of the workshop, and during the last 15 minutes of the workshop, participants will be encouraged to get in contact with their legislators.