Make a call. Make a difference
“Call for Respect” is a national day of action on FASD Awareness Day, September 9. We’re asking advocates, allies, and members of the community to call their two U.S. Senators and one Representative and urge them to stand with the FASD community!
Who Should Participate?
Everyone! Whether you’re a:
- Self-advocate
- Parent or family member
- Teacher or student
- Researcher or healthcare provider
- Professional
- Coworker, friend, or ally
Use your voice to amplify the voices of the 1 in 20 Americans with an FASD.
Step 1: Find Your Members of Congress
Step 2. Spread the Word!
With your help, we can make sure that every Senator and Representative knows that September 9th is FASD Awareness Day and that the FASD community is taking a seat at the table. This requires more than just the FASD community speaking up; we need the support and solidarity of the broader disability community and everyone who considers themselves and FASD ally. Join us in spreading the word by using the outreach template below!
FASD Awareness Day is September 9th, and we are calling on you to take action. We urge you to call your two Senators and one Representative in their district and DC offices on September 9th, asking them to champion federal FASD legislation and to stand with the FASD community. By taking part in this National FASD Call-in Day, you can help support the 1 in 20 people that have FASD. FASD is a lifelong body and brain-based developmental disability associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE).
In just five minutes, you can ensure we make a huge impact on FASD Awareness Day. Congress is currently considering legislation that improves the lives of people with FASD and improves early intervention and diagnostic capacity. Now is the time to act, and your voice is needed. FASD is taking a seat at the table, and we hope you will join us fighting for FASD-informed systems.
Check out this page to join the Call for Respect and to learn how you can show your support for the FASD community.
Step 3: Make the Call
Between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM ET on September 9, call each office and leave a short message or speak with their office staffer:
“Hi, I live in (your state and district) and I am calling because today is FASD Awareness Day. FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, describes the range of health conditions that result from prenatal alcohol exposure. It is crucially important for the Senator (or Representative) to empower and stand beside the FASD community on FASD Awareness Day.
Awareness of FASD does NOT match its prevalence. An estimated 1 in 20 Americans has an FASD. That’s a child in every single classroom. This is why we need members of Congress to become FASD-informed and to support the FASD community.
FASD is a lifelong, whole-body disability that presents significant challenges for children, families, and adults. Encouragingly, the latest research shows that early diagnosis and intervention, paired with community supports, lead to improved life outcomes. Will (Senator/Representative’s Name) join me in raising awareness for FASD?
Thank you.”
These are YOUR legislators, so you do not need to follow our script, and you can say whatever you think will be most effective. We do suggest, however, that you keep your call to about one minute in length The staffer you speak with will log the reason for your call (FASD Awareness Day) and whether or not you are a constituent. This is why it is important to have a shared messaged of spreading awareness.
Why no explicit mention of FASD legislation, like the FASD Respect Act?
We want everyone to make the Call for Respect, and we know that some advocates cannot “lobby” for specific legislation. If this does not apply to you, then you can feel free to mention the FASD Respect Act (S.139) and the SUPPORT Reauthorization Act (S.2121).
Step 4: Share and Invite Others
Post on social media using #CallForRespect and #FASDMonth
Keep an eye out for social media templates and other shareables to help get the word out!
What: A coordinated Congressional Call-In Day to raise awareness and make some noise
Who: Everyone! We hope you will not only call your legislators on 9/9, but will also encourage your network to do the same
When: FASD Awareness Day, September 9th, between 10am and 5pm Eastern.