Advocacy Toolkit

The U.S. Capitol dome

This resource provides the tools you need to engage effectively with the lawmakers who currently represent you, as well as those who aspire to do so by winning your vote in upcoming elections.  

In this Advocacy Toolkit, you’ll find practical guidance on how to:

Advocacy 101

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Lobbying 101

Tips to follow and pitfalls to avoid to ensure a successful lobbying visit.

Get Started
Close-up of the U.S. Capitol building and an American flag
How a Bill Becomes a Law

A step-by-step introduction or refresher on how a bill becomes a law.

See the Steps
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Contacting Members of Congress

What you need to know to ensure your outreach to federal lawmakers goes well.

Begin Your Outreach

Fact Sheets & Resources

A direct support professional helps a man with I/DD make dinner in the kitchen
Direct Support Workforce Fact Sheet

All the talking points you need about the direct support workforce crisis and what Congress can do to help.

DSP Workforce Fact Sheet
A person with disabilities and their support professional outside on a boardwalk
HCBS Relief Act One-Pager

Spread the word about why the HCBS Relief Act is necessary to strengthen access to services.

Download the One-Pager
A person with I/DD smiles at their support professional
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Fact Sheet

Advocate for the passage of the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act.

Get the Fact Sheet
Voters in line at voting booths
2024 Election Engagement

A resource for you to support people to get registered, assess the candidates and issues, and get to the polls.

View Election Resources
Representative Erin Houchin (R-IN) with ANCOR members outside the House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing room
Congressional Meeting Feedback Form

Did you have a successful meeting or site visit with your Representative or Senator? Please tell us about it! We'd love to follow-up and share pictures on social media.

Let Us Know How it Went!
A person with I/DD in the community.
ANCOR Amplifier

Use our amplifier tool to advocate for specific legislation and federal policy initiatives to support more inclusive communities.

Make your voice heard!
A microphone and podium at the front of a town hall meeting.

Featured Tool: In-District Meetings & Site Visits

Giving your Members of Congress and their staff a firsthand look at your programs and services will enhance their understanding of your work and its importance in securing funding for providers. This tool is designed to offer you tips and sample scripts for scheduling site visits and attending town hall meetings.

Download the Sample Invites

Storytelling Tools

A stack of six different newspapers
Writing & Placing Opinion Pieces

Opinion pieces such as op-eds and letters to the editor are a great way to raise awareness. Here's helpful guidance on how to get published.

Get Started
Outline of a smartphone and social media 'like' icons.
Advocating on Social Media

Utilize these copy-and-paste templates to engage your elected officials on social media, thank them for supporting investments in critical disability services, and more.

Start Sharing
A person writes in a notebook
Storytelling for Advocacy

A worksheet to help ANCOR members understand, refine and tell your story.

Get the Worksheet
Voters in line at voting booths

Featured Tool: 2024 Election Engagement

Amplify your organization’s voter outreach efforts, help people you support check their voter registration, learn how to address voting accessibility issues, and more.

Access Election Resources

Have Questions?

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our cause. If you have questions about the use of this toolkit or would like to learn more, please email Noah Block, ANCOR’s Advocacy Manager.