MS Advocacy Day 2009
This is an exciting political year and a promising time for advocacy. As the country overcomes a recession and embraces change, it is important for MS activists to rally together to ensure that their voices are heard on the local, state and federal level. On January 26, 2009, MS activists from all over the Commonwealth did just that, by participating in our Annual Advocacy Day and lobbying their state legislators on issues pertinent to the MS Community.
The activists, who represented the four Virginia chapters of the National MS Society, met first on the evening of January 25th in Richmond’s Hospitality House to learn about and discuss pressing legislative issues. The Virginia Citizen Action Network’s (VA CAN) 2009 Priority Issues were introduced and the volunteers prepared to present the information to their legislators.
On Monday, January 26th about 40 MS activists from across the state donned their orange and headed to the General Assembly. They met with their legislators, shared their stories and presented the VA CAN’s 2009 policy platform.
If you are interested in attending the 2010 Advocacy Day, contact the Chapter or email the Statewide Advocacy Manager at ashley.chapman@nmss.org.
Below are photos of the volunteers and staff at the Capitol.
