Legislative Advocacy Webinar Make your voice heard January 16, 2019

You can make a difference “Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world, in fact it’s the only thing that ever has” Margaret Mead

What you need to know Understand how the political process works How to access and use the legislative website Develop skills for communicating with legislators How to participate in Mental Health Advocacy Day on January 30th and other advocacy events How to learn about the Vermont Care Partners Legislative Agenda Ask us anything - Vermont Care Partners is here to support you

Vermont State Government 101 Vermont State Government has 3 branches: executive, legislative and judicial The executive branch consists of the Governor and state agencies. It enacts and enforces the laws The Secretary of Human Services works for the Governor. The commissioners of the Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) and Department of Mental Health (DMH) work for the Secretary. The Agency of Human Services develops and executes policy and governs human services.

Vermont State Government 101 The Legislature is composed of 2 chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are 30 state Senators and 150 Representatives. The Legislature creates laws, including the one that sets the budget. The Governor submits a budget proposal annually and is responsible to enact it after the Legislature adjusts and approves it.

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How to use the website www.legislature.vermont.gov The Website is loaded with Information Find out who is on a committee and what they are doing by clicking Committee Look up your Legislator by clicking Legislator It lists their email address and a biography Research a bill by clicking Bill or Resolution Press the House and Senate tabs for information about the schedules (calendar) and what’s happened in the Chambers (journal)

How to have your voice heard: How to have your voice heard: The Process for communicating with Legislators Determine which legislators to connect with – are they on a committee which makes decisions that affects you? Do you live in or are the agencies programs in their district? Do you have any social connections? Read their biographies on the legislative website to find out. Email your legislator or leave a message with contact information at the Sergeant-at-Arms Office 802-828-2228 ask to speak by phone or in-person with a time and place to meet. The Cafeteria between 8-9 AM or 12 – 1 PM works well.

\ Legislators are there to serve you & want to hear from you The State House is open to the public whenever its in session The Sergeant at Arms Office which is located by the front doors is there to help. They can find a legislator for you or help you find a room. Call them at 802-828- 2228 to leave a message for a legislator, to find out the schedule or with other questions

It’s the People’s House – that means you The work happens everywhere - in the House and Senate Chambers, Committee Rooms, Hallways & Cafeteria You can meet with legislators in your community on Mondays, the week of Town Meeting and when the legislature is not in session. You may enter committee rooms and the House and Senate Chambers anytime except during a formal role call – be quiet and polite & look for a place to sit on the outside of the room The work happens every which way – through public and social media, phone, email, and in-person at public hearings, committee testimony, public events and private meetings

How to have your voice heard: How to have your voice heard: The Process for communicating with Legislators Plan what you want to say: Share your story or experiences, ask for what you want and explain why Be informed - read Vermont Care Partners Legislative Updates and Legislative Agenda Share fact sheets and information from you agency Check the Vermont Care Partners Website or contact Julie@VermontcCarePartners.org 802-279-0464 to get on our mailing list

Advocacy Tips - Legislators are people just like you – chances are mental health conditions, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders have impacted their lives or the lives of people they care about No one expects a highly polished presentation – Just speak your truth, from you heart, avoid jargon Their time is limited – ask how much time they have to share right up front

Advocacy Tips - Its better to say “I don’t know” than give an unsure answer - send follow-up information instead Avoid arguing, if you don’t agree with them say “I hear you, here’s another way to look at it…” or “Good point - here is some additional information topic for you to consider ..” Thank them, offer to be a resource and tell them you will check back - handshakes help make connections Email or send a thank you note

Mental Health Advocacy Day January 30th at the State House 8 -9:50 AM ~ REGISTRATION (Room 11) pick up the agenda, talking points, map of State House 8 - 9 AM and 12 – 1 PM MEET WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS over coffee or lunch 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM ~ COMMITTEE TESTIMONY: Come listen – schedules will be in Room 11 9-10 AM ~ ADVOCACY TRAINING by Peter Mallary of VAMHAR: (Room 11) 10:00 A.M. ~ STATE LEADERS share their insights in Room 11 and AWARDS will be presented 11:00 A.M. ~ SHARING OUR STORIES (Room 11) Check the Vermont Care Partners Website: www.VermontCarePartners.org for further information or contact Julie@VermontcCarePartners.org 802-279-0464

Vermont Care Partners Legislative Agenda TOP PRIORITY – SHIFT THE BALANCE The Designated Agency system has the ability to Shift the Balance from costly medical care to efficient and effective community-based services, achieving a better return on investment for Vermont and improved quality of life for Vermonters with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Investing wisely will reduce state expenditures in the long term. The Foundation for Shifting the Balance is already built - Ongoing savings should be invested in DA/SSAs to generate further savings

Vermont Care Partners Legislative Agenda – Shift the Balance 2 pronged multi-year investment – to address an under-resourced system of care Invest in the DA/SSAs’ workforce to recruit and retain qualified experienced staff Invest in the DA/SSAs’ to develop community services that reduce emergency room and inpatient bed need. Don’t plan new beds before determining community resource needs. New investments for upstream services will reduce the need for more acute and costly medical care and human services.

Where to get the information you need to advocate Check the Vermont Care Partners Website: www.VermontCarePartners.org for further information including our full Legislative Agenda Sign up for our Vermont Care Partners Legislative Updates and learn about future advocacy events like Disability Awareness Day, February 27th by contacting Julie@VermontCarePartners.org 802-279-0464 Vermont Care Partners Policy Team is here to support you: Dillon Burns, Director of Mental Health Services; Lynne Cleveland Vitzthum, Director of Developmental Disability Services; Julie Tessler, Executive Director of VT Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services

37 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 (802) 262-6124 Julie@vermontcarepartners.org www.vermontcarepartners.org