From LINC
For a third year, LINC is bringing together folks with disabilities from across Idaho to talk with their legislators about issues important to them. From the direct care worker shortage to a lack of accessible transportation, Idahoans with disabilities have a lot to say. This event is for all to come to the table and share with those that are making statewide policies into law.
Building on the success of the last two years, Operation Advocacy is going to look a little different.
This year, we are holding our Operation Advocacy legislative training on Tuesday, February 4 in preparation for Fred Riggers Disability Advocacy Day on February 5 in Boise. Together, we’ll prepare participants to meet with lawmakers and share powerful stories about the realities of living with a disability in Idaho.
Self-Advocates
Are you a self-advocate looking to be more involved, but not sure where to start? No problem! We are recruiting peer mentors to work with you to make the greatest impact during the legislative session and beyond. Use this link to sign up! A peer mentor will reach out to you in January with more information.
Peer Mentors
Are you an experienced self-advocate who’s interested in doing more? Great! This year we need Peer Mentors to assist our self-advocates and make an impact. You will make appointments with your legislators, showcasing leadership. You can recruit and mentor individuals from your community area. You will provide guidance and support for new advocates during legislative meetings. Plan to attend weekly team calls every Tuesday at 4:00 pm in December and January (excluding holidays). You will participate in a virtual planning session on February 3, 2025, and support events on February 4-5 in Boise. Plan to stay informed through Friday Live sessions on legislative topics. To sign up as a peer mentor, please follow this link
Partner Organizations
We are looking for agencies and organizations to be there on Feb. 4th to help educate our advocates around specific issues concerning Idahoans with disabilities – the very issues your organizations are working on! We are also looking to recruit some seasoned advocates to serve as mentors Feb 4 and Feb 5 to recruit and assist new advocates through this process.
As a partner organization, we invite you to:
· Prepare and present on a specific legislative topic at Operation Advocacy
· Assist with recruitment of peer mentors.
· Attend a virtual strategy meetings (throughout January) and on February 3rd to maximize advocacy effectiveness.
· Inform new advocates on your legislative topic during the Operation Advocacy training.
· Provide informational materials, talking points, and encouragement for new advocates in an open house format during Operation Advocacy training.
If you’re organization would like to participate in Operation Advocacy Feb. 4, please let us know here. Jen will be in touch with more details. Feel free to connect with her directly at jgrushdale@lincidaho.org.
Together we can build an incredible opportunity to unite, lead, and empower a new generation of advocates. Your participation will help us amplify our collective voice and create meaningful change in Idaho’s legislative process.