Virtual Training – February 28th, 2022. This event is virtual training for the March 9th Virtual Disability Legislative Reception for Massachusetts families. (SEE BELOW)
* Join The Arc and MDDC for an exciting virtual advocacy training on February 28 from 12:00 – 1:00PM in preparation for the virtual 44th Annual Legislative Reception on March 9.
* Representative Denise Garlick will kick off the event to share why constituent advocacy is vital to the work of legislators.
* Lead Trainers for the MDDC training team, Andre Williams and Tamara Huntley, will explain how best to advocate to your legislator featuring a practice video of a legislative visit with Representative Christine Barber.
* Maura Sullivan, The Arc’s Senior Director of Government Affairs and Health Policy, and Ellen Taverna, The Arc’s Director of Public Policy, will provide The Arc’s budget and legislative priorities and call to action in anticipation of the legislative reception as well as some tips for promoting your advocacy on social media.
* There will be Spanish language interpretation available for the training.
RSVP to: https://arcmass.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEucOyspjIiHtJ2QELh0jSBodjyjzubPA64 or (781) 891-6270 or arcmass@arcmass.org
Virtual Disability Legislative Reception for Massachusetts’ Families, March 9th, 2022, 10 a.m – 11 a.m., with The Arc of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Persons with disabilities, family members, advocates, state agency heads and their staff, and legislators to meet and catch up on legislative priorities and other important issues.
* The 2022 theme is “United by Crisis, Uniting for Change: Our Services and Supports Can’t Wait”
* The MDDC will be honoring Senator Cindy Friedman, the Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
* The Arc will be honoring Representative Michael J. Finn, the Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, as Legislators of the Year.
* Lauren Beckham Falcone, WROR radio host and mother of a child with Down syndrome, will be serving as the emcee.
* The disability community continues to face enormous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this Legislative Reception, reflect on what our community has endured and how the Massachusetts Legislature and Administration has responded to the crisis.
* Look ahead as we unite together for change to serve all members of our community equitably.
* The hosts anticipate several hundred citizens, family members, and staff in the field will attend virtually, as well as numerous elected and appointed officials.
* American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided, as well as CART and Spanish interpretation.
Accommodations must be requested by February 22.
To register or for more information visit https://arcmass.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oUs1DptyQLCs8R0MYcYnWA?fbclid=IwAR2oWtRiH5pEaErrkWtygnq86UNswzTVWgzM1iEbuijgRlpZfFQ3jj7Sqkc or https://thearcofmass.org/ or contact The Arc of Massachusetts (781) 891-6270 or arcmass@arcmass.org
PAST LEGISLATIVE RECEPTIONS:
* The 2021 Legislative Reception theme was Equity in the Face of Uncertainty: Moving Forward Together.
* The Arc of Massachusetts honored Senator Michael Rodrigues, the Chair of Senate Ways and Means, as Legislator of the Year
* The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council honored Representative Josh S. Cutler.
* Lauren Beckham Falcone of WROR radio, and parent of a child with Down syndrome, served as the emcee.
* This Legislative Reception was an opportunity to reflect on what the Massachusetts Disability Community has overcome during this difficult time, and how the legislature has responded to our needs.
* The hosts looked ahead to how we move forward together serving all members of our community.
* The Arc will publicly announced its priority bills and a call to action for this legislative session.
* Several hundred citizens, family members, and staff in the field to attend virtually, as well as numerous elected and appointed officials.
