All legislation begins as an idea. Legislative advocacy is working with lawmakers and lawmaking bodies to gain support for a cause or initiative. It is important that Ohio lawmakers hear from families and other interested parties as they create or modify public policy. Your elected officials will make time for you -- known as constituents -- to listen to ideas or concerns about developmental disability reladisability-related.

If you are interested in meeting with your senator or representative, you can contact their office staff by email, mail, or phone. Click here to find your local legislators.

Things to Consider

• Get to know your legislator and their staff. If you have a relationship with your legislator, a letter or a visit will have a greater effect.
• Know your issue. You should know your issue well enough to explain it in a way that is understandable to someone hearing about it for the first time. 
• Have a clear and specific goal or message. 
• Be familiar with the legislative process.