Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska (right) with Mosaic Staff

All of us have unique talents that can be used to advocate for the people Mosaic supports as well as ourselves. All of us are advocates in some way. Some are advocates for families; some for people with disabilities; some choosing to participate at the local, state, national and/or international levels affecting public policy. Any time we speak up for the rights of others, or ourselves, we are advocating. All of our constituents (everyone who is involved in any way with Mosaic) are encouraged to speak up for others, especially for people with developmental disabilities, and to help them speak up for themselves as self-advocates.

We all have the opportunity to be active advocates by becoming involved in a particular cause, being an informed voter and participating in the political process. We would like to invite you to become a Mosaic grassroots advocate. Please let us know if you would like to be included in Mosaic's advocacy efforts. Just click on 'contact us' to let us know you would like to begin receiving emails to keep you up to date on what's going on at the national level. We will notify you about issues that are critical to people with disabilities and may also ask for your help in contacting your elected officials, when necessary.

Grassroots advocacy is the foundation of our democratic system of government. As citizens, we all have a constitutional right … and a responsibility … to speak out about our needs and wants to the government.

Elected officials cannot respond to our concerns unless we communicate our needs. And, working together as citizens, we have the power to make a difference.

• Contact Advocacy at Mosaic