Your story is what makes you the expert.
Here is something worth remembering while advocating: when it comes to FASD, you are the expert, and your legislators are not. They will not learn what this community needs from a briefing or a lobbyist. They learn it from constituents who can speak to it directly. That is what gives your voice its weight.
So, today’s task, before you meet with a legislator or reach out to their office, is put your why into words. Just a few clear sentences you can share that highlight what you and your family need and how it would help you.
Use this simple template. Fill in each part in your own words.
Who you are. “My name is [name] and I am a constituent in [town, state].”
Your connection. “I am here because [I love someone with FASD / I am a person with FASD], and this is what that has meant: [one true, specific detail. The appointment, the school meeting, the years without a diagnosis]
Impact of the gap. “Because the systems that should have helped were not there, we have had to [search for years / travel hundreds of miles / fight for a diagnosis / do it alone].”
The ask. “Congress passed the FASD Respect Act, but it has not funded it. I am asking [Senator or Representative name] to fund the law they already passed, so that people with FASD get the supports, research, and investment they deserve.”
Why it matters. “This is not charity, and it is not something new. It is a promise this country already made. I am asking you to help keep it.”
Get it down on paper so you are ready to share with legislators. What they need to hear is how you and your family are impacted AND what they can do to help. Keep it honest, hopeful, and brief. There is always time to add more detail if you need!
Don’t forget to share your Why on social media, if you are comfortable!
Take a look below for a sneak peek at what we have planned through September 9!
- 9/4, Share Your Why. Put your story into a few clear sentences you can actually use.
- 9/5, Visibility. Show how you spread awareness, and help make a non-apparent disability impossible to overlook
- 9/6, Growth. Invite one person to advocate alongside you.
- 9/7, Close the Gap. Connect your experience to what funding would actually change.
- 9/8, Practice. Get call-ready with your script and your numbers in hand.
- 9/9, Make the Call. Ask your legislators to fund the law they already passed.