1. Legislative Advocacy Webinar
Make your voice heard
January 16, 2019

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Page Title

7. 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 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)

8. 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.
your legislator or leave a message with contact information at the Sergeant-at-Arms Office 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.

9. \ 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 to leave a message for a legislator, to find out the schedule or with other questions

10. 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, , and in-person at public hearings, committee testimony, public events and private meetings

11. 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
to get on our mailing list

12. 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

13. 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
or send a thank you note

14. 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: for further information or contact

15. 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

16. 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.

17. Where to get the information you need to advocate
Check the Vermont Care Partners Website: 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
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

18. 37 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
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