Advocacy Toolkit
Landmark College is dedicated to advancing the rights and interests of individuals with learning differences.
This Advocacy Toolkit is intended to empower LC supporters and community members to advocate effectively on behalf of our mission at Landmark College, as well as on behalf of the broader LD community. The resources and links below provide additional information on a variety of issues, though community members are welcome to contact us at [email protected] for feedback and support as they plan their advocacy.
Advocacy 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started
- Identify whom to contact: Most often, this will be your elected Member(s) of Congress, who you can find and identify here. Other potential points of contact could include a federal or state agency, members of a state legislature, a governor or other elected statewide official, and more.
- Research their Priorities: To maximize the potential for a positive outcome, it's best to do some background research on your selected official or agency. What influence do they hold over your area of outreach? What can they realistically accomplish on your behalf? What positions have they taken in the past? Have they demonstrated support or opposition to the matter in question?
- Define your Goal: It's best to keep your goal(s) as specific as possible, and be prepared to concisely explain precisely what action you are seeking, along with what positive impact you believe that will engender. This should build to a clear ask of the official or agency you are seeking to influence.
- Prepare Talking Points: Do your research ahead of time and prepare and rehearse what you plan to say. Use concise statistics, testimonials, or case studies to convey the information you seek to share.
- Initiate Contact: Reach out to the agency or official in question, either via email (best for requesting an in-person meeting) or phone (best for sharing your opinion on a matter before it is voted on, or when time is of the essence). Regardless of your personal beliefs, keep all interactions professional, courteous, and nonpartisan - especially when advocating on behalf of Landmark College.
- Follow-up: If you met with a staff member or official, be sure to follow-up within 48 hours to thank the office for their time, to share additional information or resources as needed, and to reiterate any key asks made in the meeting.
These are just some tips to get started. Again, if you have any questions or are seeking support in your advocacy on behalf of Landmark College, please reach out to [email protected].
Landmark College Areas of Advocacy
Help us help you
Sharing your zip code and contact information allows us to activate constituents of a given official if and when needed. This also allows us to help connect you with your elected officials.
Contact your Congressional delegation
With higher education under attack in Washington, D.C., it is vital that Members of Congress hear from constituents about the ways in which financial aid and federal research funding, in particular, support students, families, colleges, and local economies around the country.
Take action with the National Center for Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is a leading advocacy organization in Washington, D.C. for those who learn differently. NCLD follows the policy developments in real-time and provides many opportunities to get involved.
Write to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS leadership has strayed from scientific fact, speculating that vaccines and tylenol cause autism, stating that ADHD medication should be banned, and claiming that most people with autism will never find love or pay taxes. You can find the agencies contact information here.