8 – Grassroots Advocacy
Advocating for Implementation and Enforcement of Disability Laws
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Margaret Mead
Thoughtful, committed citizens who seek change: there is no more clear or concise definition of grassroots advocates than Margaret Mead’s words uttered over 50 years ago. Grassroots advocates, unlike paid lobbyists, often spend long hours at their own expense to accomplish their goals. They are often passionate about their work, and certainly persistent, because most change does not happen quickly or easily.
The goals of grassroots advocates may be implementation or enforcement of current law. Advocates may seek to work locally, such as standing up for the rights of owners to bring their hearing dogs in a taxi. Or advocates may seek to impact state or federal enforcement of a law, for example when lawsuits are filed against movie theater owners who don’t provide open or closed captions.
Grassroots advocates also work to draft new legislation when there is a need. It often takes years to get new laws on the books. Advocates need to develop a thoughtful strategy, to work with others in coalitions, and to listen to those who would oppose their work. Grassroots advocates need to know why and how to overcome opposition.
To be a good grassroots advocate:
- Be persistent, patient and always courteous
- Start with a plan
- Meet with like-minded people
- Focus on one, doable issue at a time
- Build coalitions
- Create a dialog with opposing parties
- Partner with friends
- Be there for the long haul as well as the quick success
- Be polite when losing
- Celebrate success
Resources: National and Local Consumer Organizations
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
3417 Volta Place, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202/337-5220
TTY: 202/337-5221
Fax: 202/337-8314
Association of Late Deafened Adults (ALDA)
8038 Macintosh Lane, Suite 2,
Rockford Illinois, 61107
Phone: 815.332.1515
Hands and Voices
Business Office
PO Box 3093
Boulder CO 80307
(303) 492-6283
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200
Bethesda, MD 20850
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Telecommunications for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (TDI)
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 604,
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3822