Telling Your Story

About the MN-CCD The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is a broad-based coalition of more than 100 organizations of provider and advocacy groups, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. We address public policy issues through collaboration, advocating, educating, influencing change and creating awareness. Visit us at:

State Budget Breakdown * May 2008 Enacted

Tough Times for Disability Services and Programs Within Health and Human Services, disability services have experienced more than $400 million in cuts between 2002 and In 2009, state funding for health and human services was cut by more than $537 million.

Current Climate Economy in recession State revenue below forecast Unemployment Federal and State health care reform on the way

The Value of Telling Your Story Because: MN faces a state budget deficit in near future State spending on disability services represents a significant proportion of total state spending Cuts to disability services in recent years have left an unstable support system for Minnesotans with disabilities We must: Work to educate legislators on the disability services and programs about which they will have to make decisions “There is no lobbyist as powerful as active and engaged citizens”

Telling Your Story Key Messages –How have the programs or services you are advocating for improved (or how would they improve) your life or the life of your family member/individual you work with? –What challenges would you face if these programs and services were reduced or eliminated (or what challenges will you continue to face if changes are not made)?

Telling Your Story A five step process 1.Introduction and background on you 2.Relate a specific personal experience 3.Frame the issue: Problem – Solution 4.Tell them what you want/ ask for a commitment 5.Thank them for their time

Telling Your Story General Reminders BE BRIEF 3-4 minutes max. Pick a focus for your talk BE REAL Who you are What happened What it is like now What works, what doesn’t

Telling Your Story – Next Steps Talk with family members and friends about the issues Participate in Days at the Capitol, Rallies and Action Alert Networks Hold your elected officials accountable

For further information… Legislator contact info: The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities ext. 112 Co chairs: Steve Larson, Public Policy Director of the Arc of MN and Jeff Nachbar, Public Policy Director of the Brain Injury Association of MN