Legislative Advocacy
What is Public Policy and Advocacy?
Public policy addresses a public issue through laws, regulations, and programs developed by governments to solve problems. Being involved in public policy means informing, educating, and advising the general public and policymakers, like elected officials, about the nature of problems, ideas to address problems, and the costs associated with providing services or conducting research to make changes. Advocacy is speaking out about an issue that impacts you. Advocacy in public policy can mean talking to a legislature about a law, talking to an advisory committee making decisions, talking to a reporter, sharing your story on social media with others, and more.
What Legislative Advocacy Work Does The Arc of Harris County Do?
Some of our activities include:
- Tracking state legislation, regulation, and programs
- Informing, educating, and advising the general public, state agencies, and members of the Texas Legislature
- Supporting and encouraging Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to talk to the public and legislators about issues important to them
- Assisting The Arc of Texas to promote policy positions to the general public, state agencies, and members of the Texas Legislature
- Partnering with other providers to assist with local legislative events
How Can I Get Involved in Public Policy and Advocacy?
People with IDD, their family members, and their allies should get involved in their local, state, and federal governments on the issues important to them. By telling your own story, you can effect positive change benefitting all Texans with IDD. In the disability community, we call this advocacy.