The Autism Society of Ohio has created an autism advocacy network that has constituents in each of the districts of the members of the Ohio General Assembly, both the House and Senate. We are looking for advocates all around the state to help us with this effort.

• meet with your Representative and/or Senator to discuss autism related issues, either in Columbus or your local area
• write letters to your Representative and/or Senator
• write letters to your local newspapers
• organize meetings for your legislators with constituents in your area
• have a positive attitude and work cooperatively with legislators

Then we need your help!

You can volunteer to participate in two ways:

 

Team Leader: Each Ohio district will have an assigned team leader who is responsible for carrying the key ASO/autism messages when meeting with the legislator (Representatives and Senators), coordinating testimony or letter writing for hearings, and for organizing the team members of their district, etc.

Team Member: Each Ohio district will have several team members that are available to share their own personal ASO/autism story, to write letters when needed, and to ask from help from their neighbors/families/friends. Team members may choose specialize on certain topics - ie. autism insurance parity topic, special education funding, etc. ASO is also developing a Legislative Advocacy Manual and will provide local training to constituent volunteer advocates.

Download the Autism Society Legislative Advocacy Manual

To help you better advocate with your legislators, the Autism Society of Ohio has created the Ohio Autism Advocacy Network Legislative Advocacy Manual.  This manual provides specific information on how to be a more effective advocate including tips on writing letters and scheduling meetings with your legislators as well as general information on Ohio’s state government.  To download a copy of the manual, click HERE.

Come to Legislative Advocacy Training

The Autism Society of Ohio also schedules legislative advocacy trainings periodically to provide more in depth information on how to advocate with your legislators.  Visit our calendar for information on legislative advocacy trainings.

Make your voice heard!

If you are interested in participating in this effort, please send your Name, address, city, zip+4, phone, email address, House District Number and Senate District number and whether you are interested in being a "Team Leader" or a "Team Member" to . Please put AUTISM ADVOCACY NETWORK in the subject line. To find your district numbers, visit http://www.autismohioadvocates.org/ and enter your address.