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The power of advocacy
Use your strength to advocate effectively.
The availability of quality home and community based services, access to affordable prescription drugs, housing, transportation and elder abuse services are only a few areas concerning older adults and agencies advocating for older adults today. As an age group, the older adult population is growing faster than any other group in our nation.
The saying, “There is strength in numbers,” bears a lot of truth, especially in politics where your vote can give you a real form of power to advocate on behalf of the needs of older adults—some of whom may not have the power to effectively advocate for themselves.
With everything that faces legislators today, you must make the effort to communicate your views. Use the power that you have earned, in more ways than by virtue of sheer numbers, to effectively advocate.
Effective advocacy is a combination of presenting personal stories and life experiences, statistics and data that demonstrate the broad nature of the problem and needs. Grassroots efforts by constituents (those who can vote) can make a huge difference in influencing policy. Consumers and caregivers are in an ideal situation to be advocates because of their personal stories.
If you plan to become actively involved in making your message heard, be sure to clearly develop the message, prepare case examples, and then present the need by writing, calling or visiting your legislators to communicate your views.
Tips for effective advocacy
Know who to ask: Don’t miss an opportunity to visit your legislators and their staff. Don’t wait until a bill is in your legislator’s committee or on the floor to develop a contact.
Know what to ask: Ask for something specific, such as signing on to a specific piece of legislation, or voting in a particular way on a bill or cosponsoring a particular piece of legislation. Know your district and the issues.
Know how to ask: Be polite, never offensive. State your need clearly and be quick to the point. Never give an ultimatum. Don’t get frustrated or expect to quickly change a legislator’s mind. Never alienate someone who may be a future ally. Know when lawmakers are voting in committee or when you need their vote on the floor. Ask how they will vote, then –
Follow Up: All your hard work is lost if you don’t follow through when the final votes are counted. When legislators support your position, give them credit and thank them – publicly.
Berkshire County State Legislators
• Rep. Daniel Bosley (1st District): 617-722-2370 & 413-663-7486
rep.danielbosley@hou.state.ma.us
• Rep. Denis Guyer (2nd District) 617-722-2400 & 413-684-0033
rep.denisguyer@hou.state.ma.us
• Rep. Christopher Speranzo (3rd District) 617-722-2080 & 413-447-7225
rep.christophersperanzo@hou.state.ma.us
• Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (4th District) 617-722-2879 & 413-243-5534
rep.smittypignatelli@hou.state.ma.us
• Senator Benjamin Downing, 617-722-1625 & 413-442-4008
Berkshire Senior TV
Berkshire Senior TV produces half hour programs on
topics of special interest to seniors and their families at
the times below:
Pittsfield Community Television
(Channel 16) - 445-4234
Mondays, 6 & 9:30 a.m., Fridays, 12:30, 4, 7:30, & 11:30 p.m.
Northern Berkshire Community Television
(Channel 15) - 663-9006
Fridays, 8:30 p.m.
Community Television for the Southern Berkshires
(Channel 15) - 243-8211
Check the weekly listing at www.ctsbtv.org
WilliNet (Channel 17) - 458-0900
Thursday, 3 p.m. & Sunday, 6 p.m.