Advocacy Pocket Guide

Mosaic empowers nearly 4,900 people with diverse needs in more than 700 communities to each live their best life.

Mosaic partners with a group of volunteers called Mosaic Allied Voices (MAV) to promote public awareness of disability issues, to advocate for equality and to advance strategies that shape public policy. Please sign-up for MAV at: MosaicAlliedVoices.org.

If you have more questions or would like more information, contact Mosaic’s Vice President of Government Relations at [email protected] or 877.366.7242.

Advocating at the Capitol

Visiting your state legislators and their staff at the capitol is a great way to advocate!

Cultivating a relationship with your elected officials increases your influence on public policy. You become a resource—they want to hear what you have to say.

Tips for visiting state legislators’ offices:

If you have a meeting scheduled with your legislator or their staff:
- Have a clear message and “ask,” have printed information to leave behind and ask questions.
- Thank the legislator of their time.
If you do not have a meeting scheduled:
- Ask the administrative aide if their is a staff member you can speak with about your issue.
- Tell the aide you are a constituent. If no one is available, then schedule a meeting with the legislator or their aide.
- Remember to make your story Specific, Personal, Informative, and Timely.
- Thank the staff person for their time.

Prepare for your visit:

For the most effective visit:
- Schedule a meeting in advance
- Prepare your comments
- Ask questions
- Say thank you
- Have information to leave behind

Tips for testifying at a hearing:

Fill out a testifier sheet, which are usually by the door of the hearing room.
Follow any instructions given by the committee.
Clearly state your position on the legislation—whether you support, oppose, or are neutral in your testimony.
Be positive and polite, even if you are opposing a policy initiative.
Always close your testimony by asking the committee if there are any questions, which can allow you to share more information if your time has run out.
Thank the committee members and offer to be a resource to the committee.
Do not hesitate to ask someone who works at the capitol for help.