Three Ways to Participate
You can participate from your phone or computer, or schedule an in-person visit with your legislator! Here’s how:
Option 1 – Participate from your phone or computer:
1. Click here to identify your state legislators.
2. Send them an email on Feb. 14 and attach our Valentine’s card. (Use the info about Direct Support Professionals above as the basis for your email.)
3. Encourage friends to #HaveAHeartForTheArcTX by posting on social media!
Option 2 – Participate in person:
1. Click here to identify your state legislators.
2. Schedule an appointment with them for Feb. 14 in your home district or at the Texas Capitol in Austin.
3. Meet with your legislators to deliver our printable Valentine’s card. (Practice your message ahead of time. Use the info about Direct Support Professionals above as talking points paired with your personal story.)
4. Thank them afterward via email. If you thank them on social media, tag them and @TheArcOfTexas
Option 3 – Wear your disability rights pride:
Click here to buy a “Have a Heart for The Arc of Texas” shirt, featuring Ashley Sattler’s awesome artwork! Proceeds support The Arc of Texas. (Post a pic on social media once you receive it!)
Public policy addresses a public issue through laws, regulations, and programs developed by governments. Advocacy is when you inform policymakers about issues you care about so they understand how their decisions impact people’s lives.
Want to learn more about how to advocate confidently and strategically? Check out our “Legislative Advocacy Toolkit” intended to help you have conversations with legislators anytime! This toolkit is general — not specific to an event or issue.
Elected officials have the power to impact the lives of Texans with disabilities positively or negatively. YOU have the power to help determine who gets elected.