Governor Charlie Baker with Lucy Falcone and other advocates at MDSC’s Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the State House
MDSC works to address policy issues affecting people with Down syndrome. We believe the most effective legislative advocacy is accomplished by individual voters bringing up issues that matter to them with their state or federal representatives.
Our Advocacy Day, established in 2014, has been central to bringing our priority bills to the attention of State House leaders and garnering their support. Join us in raising awareness with your legislators about our priority bills as well as critical funding needs.
The late Massachusetts politician Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” Indeed, we at MDSC understand that the most effective method for getting our bills made into law is for you to reach out to your local state representatives and senators. We encourage our members to call, write, and set up meetings to introduce yourselves and your families to your legislators. Share your story and let them know what you care about and how they should vote. Even a single call from a single constituent can easily put a bill on a legislator’s radar that wasn’t before, transforming disinterest into advocacy.
The most effective way to advocate is by meeting your legislator in person. Many hold office hours in their districts.
You may also want to visit your legislator’s office at the Massachusetts State House, located at the top of Beacon Hill in Boston near Boston Common. We encourage you to do so. The State House is easily accessible by train. The closest stop is Park Street on the Red and Green lines.
The primary vehicle for the MDSC’s public policy initiatives is our Government Affairs Committee. The Committee works with the MDSC Executive Director, management team, and the MDSC membership to advocate for legislation and policies that will help the MDSC achieve its mission. With broad statewide representation, the Committee’s primary objective is to mobilize the MDSC membership to advocate on behalf of the entire Down syndrome community.
Regina Robinson of the Boston School Committee, and mother to Josiah, who has Down syndrome
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