Mar 12, 2009
Step Up Speak Out 2009 - National MS Society Legislative Awareness Conference
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Arizona Chapter in partnership with Protecting Arizona’s Families Coalition (PAFCO) invites you to participate in:
Step Up Speak Out 2009: National MS Society Legislative Awareness Conference
Join Arizona’s MS Community to learn about important issues affecting our state. Meet with your legislators and impact public policy issues that will help move us forward to live in a world free of MS.
Step Up and Speak Out against MS in 2009.
Scholarships are available to cover the cost of travel and one night of hotel stay in Phoenix for out-of-county constituents who commit to attending both days. Please contact Siobhan McCurdy for more information: smccurdy@aza.nmss.org or 480-968-2488 x210.
Schedule of Events:
Day 1: Prepare for Legislative Day
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona (DEC) - 5025 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
Agenda:
6:00 p.m. Arrive at DEC Conference Room
6:30 p.m. Activist Dinner
7:00 p.m. Efficient Citizen Advocacy Review
Siobhan McCurdy, Advocacy Coordinator, National Multiple Sclerosis Society Arizona Chapter
This presentation will cover the dynamics of power, building relationships, the role of the citizen advocate and voting constituent, including “how to” techniques on visits with policy makers, a list of lobbying do’s and don’ts and the importance of joining together with others in advocacy.
7:30 p.m. Keynote Address: “Telling Your Story”
Beth Meyer, Vice President of State Operations, Center for Progressive Leadership
Through this interactive session, participants will learn techniques to identify their motivations
for engaging in the legislative process. This session will help activists to develop a compelling message to share with legislators.
Day 2: Legislative Day
Thursday, April 2, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Capitol Complex - Ice Cream Parlor Room, Capitol Museum - 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007
Agenda: (Tentative)
10:00 a.m. Welcome
Tim Schmaltz, PAFCO Coordinator
10:30 a.m. Issue Briefs
Bonnie Danowski, Valley Interfaith Project & David Carey, Arizona Bridge to Independent Living
10:50 a.m. Guest Speaker
11:30 a.m. Be introduced in the Senate
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Be introduced in the House
1:30 p.m. Attend Committee hearings, meet with legislators, register at the kiosks for public testimony
Registration:
All participants are expected to attend both days’ events. To register for this free conference, please call: 1-800-344-4867 or 480-968-2488 x210.
Registration ends March 30, 2009.