Written by guest writer, John-Paul Yates, Director, Public Affairs, Goff Public
Advocacy is a key value for Living Well. Every day, people supported by Living Well and employees experience both the positive and negative effects of legislation passed at all levels of government, especially legislation passed here in Minnesota. You help us create Living Well’s seat at the table through consistent advocacy, helping us build relationships with lawmakers so we can be part of the conversations shaping the legislation that affects our residents and staff.
Telling your “why” is an important part of advocacy. Ways to do so include testifying to your “why,” being prepared to tell your “why” while hosting a home visit, or telling your “why” during meetings with your Legislators or at rallies.
The Minnesota Legislature will convene for the 2026 legislative session in the middle of February. It’s a great time to consider your role in Living Well’s advocacy work.
Advocacy and lobbying work together to make sure Living Well’s story is told to lawmakers. Advocacy can be many things. Testifying in a committee hearing at the Capitol, hosting a legislator at a Living Well home, meeting with a legislator or attending rallies like ARRM’s Disability Day at the Capitol all collectively advance Living Well’s advocacy goals. One outreach to a lawmaker or one home tour may not seem important, but it’s the sum of these individual actions taken together which makes the difference for Living Well.
What is Your “Why”
We often tell people interacting with lawmakers or testifying in a committee hearing to lead with their “why.”
Why are you here?
Why is this issue important to you?
Human services issues can be so complex, which can be a challenge when advocating for this critical work. But they are also deeply personal, which is the opportunity. It’s easy to connect with lawmakers when you can easily explain your personal passion and the “why” behind it.
With your “why” in-hand, starting a conversation with a lawmaker, writing an email or convincing someone to join you at a rally will all become easier.
In the coming months, we will talk about the issues Living Well is working on this legislative session, as well as some specific opportunities for you to engage. For now, reflect on your “why” and consider your role in strengthening Living Well’s advocacy efforts.
Note from Living Well: As an organization we have been committed to advocacy since we opened our doors in 1972. For over 50 years Living Well has continuously reached out to our communities, elected officials, supporters, guardians and families so that we could build a foundation of trust as we work in partnership to advocate for the needs of the people we support and disability rights in general. Over the next several months we will post about advocacy efforts so you can be better informed on what is needed to advocate with confidence. If you have questions please reach out to CEO, Tom Gillespie at tom.gillespie@liivngwell.org; COO, Rod Carlson at rod.carlson@livingwell; or Senior Director of Program Service, Beth Tollefson at beth.tollefson@livingwell.org. And please mark your calendar for Disability Services Day at the MN State Capitol on March 24 and join us for an important day of legislative advocacy. To be put on the list email cheryl.edwall@livingwell.org.
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