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Governor Brown has authorized the trigger cuts to services to take place. We don’t know what this will mean for us yet and we don’t know when we will know. The Department of Developmental Services will need to make decisions about how to achieve the $100 million savings – some will likely come from the extension of the existing cuts (like the 4.25%) and some new measures might be needed (which might mean more cuts). We need to wait and see and be ready to act if necessary. General Advocacy California Disability Community Action Network - a link to current information on "Advocacy without Borders: Connecting thousands of people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, families, workers, low-income families to disability rights, senior rights, civil rights, and unified action."
How We Can Advocate (from The Cedars of Marin Board Retreat, November 6, 2010)
Our public system that supports the availability of community living resources for persons with developmental disabilities exists because of the committed efforts of families that advocated for years for the lives of their children with developmental disabilities. That effort created the resources that now support quality lives for persons with developmental disabilities through the funding from the regional centers and the efforts of organizations like The Cedars of Marin. In order to maintain and grow this system of care, it is vital that the advocacy efforts that built this system continue in full force.
The Cedars of Marin Board of Directors have included this important issue in the current strategic plan. Goal #3 of the Cedars of Marin Strategic Plan is to advocate actively for individuals with developmental disabilities and organizations that serve them. The board is working on ways to build a strong program of advocacy which will involve our families in order to improve policies and legislation within the state and beyond. As a way of initiating this, we invited Rocio Smith from Area Board 5 to speak at the board retreat in November.
Highlights from Rocio Smith’s presentation:
- We must have a unified voice - First thing you need to do when you advocate is to be unified and know what you are advocating for. The system is complex, there are conflicts, and because of this there often hasn’t been a unified voice in the past.
- Identify your issue and narrow it into a short speech (an elevator speech). Identify your friends and your foes to know their agenda. You need to know what they will counter with so you can counter their counter.
- Never give up.
- Persistence will make your voice heard.
- Remember that this is a Civil Rights issue.
We will post updates about how Cedars will direct advocacy efforts here. We need your help as someone who shares the deep concern about the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.
California Disability Community Action Network - CDCAN - provides information about current actions at the state level that are impacting our system. Visiting this site is a great way to keep up with the issues.
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