Advocacy
At Mosaic, advocacy is a part of our mission. We advocate for and with people who have disabilities so they may choose appropriate supports, defend their rights and express their opinions. Mosaic advocates find their voices heard locally in their own communities, in statehouses across the land, and in several countries around the world. Mosaic's advocacy efforts include:
Broadening the capacity for advocacy at the local, state, national and international level.
Participating in numerous coalitions formed to affect public policy.
Networking with grassroots advocates to pass legislation affecting the lives of people who have disabilities.
Assisting other nonprofit organizations to develop and enhance their supports.
Increasing volunteer advocacy participation locally, nationally and globally.
People supported by Mosaic in Pontiac are active in self-advocacy. In addition, a person supported by Mosaic in Pontiac is the consumer representative to the Illinois Department of Human Services Statewide Advisory Council for the North Central Network. The Executive Director is the provider representative to the Illinois Department of Human Services Statewide Advisory Council for the North Central Network.
Mosaic in Pontiac is active in advocacy efforts in the State of Illinois. The agency is a member of the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF).
Mosaic in Pontiac is a member of The Institute on Public Policy for People with Developmental Disabilities. The Institute is a voluntary association of organizations supporting services to persons with developmental disabilities. The Institute seeks to influence public policy development which supports these services and to engage in activities which will improve the quality of programs and services throughout the State of Illinois. Members of the Institute pledge to the following principles regarding what we do and how we will conduct our activities:
- Endeavor to initiate and improve services that advance the dignity, acceptance, independence and lifestyle of individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Promote positive changes in the existing service system.
- Promote cooperation and coordination of organizational and group efforts.
- Willingly share expertise and information.
- Seek advice and input.
- Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional practice.
- Support mediation and reciprocity in leadership role.
- Accept the inevitability of change in the service system.
- Expect ethical, realistic and necessary commitment from funding sources
The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF)
IARF is the trade association for community rehabilitation agencies in Illinois. Members serve people with physical, mental, behavioral, developmental, and other disabilities. We know that community agencies are dependent upon state funds to continue serving people with disabilities in Illinois. One of our greatest challenges on behalf of member agencies is advocating on their behalf to insure adequate funding for the community system so that people with disabilities have access to the services they need.
In addition to lobbying the Illinois Legislature, IARF works as the liaison between member agencies and the Illinois' Code Departments, such as DHS, DCFS, DPH, etc. As a central point representing over 140 community agencies, IARF offers members the latest information from the departments, provides valuable feedback from the community to the departments and intercedes on issues of concern on behalf of individual members.
Lutheran Network for Justice Advocacy in Illinois
Mosaic in Pontiac also support the Lutheran Network for Justice Advocacy in Illinois. Advocacy means taking a stand. It involves studying an issue or a problem and trying to decide what should be done about it. Advocacy also means speaking for, or preferably with, a person or group that might otherwise have a difficult time being heard. Mosaic in Pontiac has been involved with the steering committee for planning the annual Lutheran Day in Springfield.
Livingston County Coalition Against Violence
Mosaic in Pontiac is a member of the Livingston County Coalition Against Violence. This coalition grew out of a sub-committee of the county Public Health Departments strategic initiative called the I-Plan. The Coalition works to increase awareness of the problem of family violence (which includes domestic violence, child abuse and abuse against the elderly and people with disabilities) in the county. It also has establish a strategic plan to decrease incidents of family violence in the county.
For more information
For additional information on advocacy opportunities, please contact us.
