Part of S.T.E.P.'s Strategic Plan is a commitment to long-term stability. We realize long-term stability encompasses much more than just our finances. We have learned that grassroots advocacy builds relationships with local and state government, valuable organizations and our community at large. These relationships contribute to the overall success of STEP so we pledge to cultivate and care for these connections faithfully.
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009
The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services scheduled a hearing at 9:30 AM (or upon adjournment of the Senate floor session) that will cover the proposals submitted at the April 22 hearing. There will also be a protest held outside, before the hearing.
9:00 AM (until start of hearing)
WHERE: State Capitol L Street sidewalk
WHAT: Sidewalk demonstration for rights of people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors PRIORITY: VERY HIGH
WHY: Senate Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services (agenda will focus on cuts to regional centers). Public testimony will be taken on cuts to regional centers. Protest cuts impacting not only regional centers, but cuts to In-Home Supportive Services, SSI/SSP, CalWORKS, mental health, low income children.
WHAT TO BRING: Pictures of loved ones impacted by all these cuts, including those of workers. Posters and signs. Water.
- CSLN Grassroots Toolkit (PDF, 3.7 MB) - Adapted from the CRA Grassroots Manual by CSLN, this is your grassroots guide to government action. Use this tool when you have something to say to an elected official. Remember, you make a difference only if you participate in the process!
- Sample Letters (Zipped Word docs, 20 KB) - These are boilerplate letters to your Senate or Assembly member about the current financial crisis. They require only minor edits (or as much as you want) to be ready to send. Two are designed for agency use (one Senate and one Assembly), and two are from a consumer perspective (one Senate and one Assembly).
- California Legislature and current bills
- State Senate and current legislation
- State Assembly and current legislation
- CDCAN Reports - Alerts, Town Hall Telemeetings, Web site and other work
- California Rehabilitation Association
- California Supported Living Network is a statewide organization of people and agencies committed to the belief that every Californian with a developmental disability can live in his or her own home if provided the supports and services needed to be safe and successful.
- FFAC (Family and Friend Advisory Committee):
The FFAC is a group of family members and friends of people receiving STEP services interested in contributing as a stakeholder. The FFAC may be asked to advise STEP of family perspective on activities, policy, procedures, strategies and programs. The FFAC engages in philosophical discussions resulting in mutual education. The Regional Center is a frequent topic of discussion. Participation in the FFAC is an opportunity for networking, support and information sharing. The FFAC is often called upon to provide a family perspective to legislators and the general community. One of the goals of the FFAC is to develop a new family orientation and materials for families new to STEP services. The FFAC is available to answer questions for family members researching STEP as a possibility for their family member. The FFAC meets quarterly at the STEP office in Sacramento. Please contact for more information.