Archives: Monthly Update
July/August 2007
Contents:
- NAC Central: Blackjack! 21 New Co-Sponsors and Key Events Ahead
- August Recess
- DSPs to DC
NAC Central: Blackjack! 21 New Co-Sponsors and Key Events Ahead
 It takes sacrifice to realize a victory. In the public policy arena, that sacrifice can take many forms– time, energy or resources—and ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC) is fortunate that many ANCOR members and supporters share in the commitment to creating a more stable, consistent direct support workforce.
The proof is in the numbers. ANCOR members are generously funding the NAC and they are working to secure new legislative champions—21 new members of Congress have co-sponsored H.R. 1279, the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act of 2007, in the last month, giving the legislation 61 co-sponsors as of this writing!
While 21 is a great blackjack hand, it also represents the National Advocacy Campaign’s best month ever! Securing 21 new co-sponsors in a single month is a small victory we deserve to celebrate as we pursue our broader goals. It is also a victory that warrants recognition. The NAC Steering Committee thanks all the ANCOR members and supporters who sacrificed to secure these new co-sponsors and offers a special thank you to New York advocates who helped land four, or nearly 20%, of these new co-sponsors. Thank you New York!
The success we’ve experienced in the NAC Central: Blackjack! 21 New Co-Sponsors and Key Events Ahead National Advocacy past month underscore some key lessons. First, persistence pays off. Advocates had to contact most of these new co-sponsors more than once, but they eventually won their support. That’s what it takes.
Second, Congressional Recesses are critical. Fifteen new co-sponsors joined H.R. 1279 right after the July Recess—clear evidence that there is no substitute for face-to-face contact when your member of Congress is home.
Finally, this success reminds us of the exceptional opportunity before us. Twenty-one new co-sponsors in a month once seemed unreachable, but now the power of our network and message puts loftier numbers within our reach. Why not a month with 25 or 30 new co-sponsors? August and September opportunities present a unique chance for the NAC to take its efforts to a new level.
Can we count on you to make the sacrifice?
August Recess
The August Congressional Recess begins August 6. As the July Recess success proves, you simply cannot afford to miss this month-long opportunity to educate your U.S. Representative on H.R. 1279 and the direct support workforce crisis! Contact your U.S. Representative’s office today to arrange an August meeting and watch for an ANCOR Action Alert on the things you can do in August to get your Representative’s attention.
DSPs to DC
The NAC is working hard to give America’s direct support workforce a voice. But no one can communicate the challenges facing this essential workforce better than the Direct Support Professionals themselves. To that end, ANCOR is organizing a special DSPs to DC event in conjunction with its 2007 Governmental Activities Seminar (GAS). This September 10th and 11th GAS special feature has no registration fee and is open to DSPs, as well as families and self-advocates, who want to show their support for their DSPs. ANCOR members will be responsible for all travel and lodging costs for participating DSPs and the event itinerary includes:
- Attend customized DSP training sessions on Monday afternoon, September 10 at The Washington Court Hotel.
- Special evening reception (with GAS registrants) on Monday evening, at The Washington Court Hotel, featuring entertainment by The Capitol Steps.
- Attend a morning briefing on Tuesday, September 11th at the Holiday Inn on the Hill.
- Box lunches and a joint pre-Hill session and DSP recognition with ANCOR Seminar attendees Tuesday morning, September 11th at the Washington Court Hotel.
- Attend RALLY on Capitol Hill at noon, September 11th.
- Participate in Hill visits the afternoon of Tuesday, September 11th.
To get more information on the DSPs to DC event and lodging options or to register your DSPs, please view the GAS registration form at www.ANCOR.org, http://www.ancor.org/conferences/ 2007_GAS_Brochure.pdf.
ANCOR is committed to bringing a minimum of 100 DSPs to Washington, DC for this important event and there are many reasons for ANCOR members to participate—raising awareness on the issue, raising your organization’s profile on Capitol Hill, building good will with your workforce, internal and external promotional opportunities, etc. Whether you send one DSP or 20 to Washington, it will Make a Difference in telling the story of the workforce crisis. You simply cannot afford to leave your DSPs at home! Register your DSPs today!
If you have any questions about the DSPs to DC event or any NAC activity, please contact our advocacy consultant, Daryn Demeritt, ddemeritt@fieldgoals.net. ■ |
