Unite, Don't Fight: What Advocates Can And Should Do To Foster Unity By Dawn

Unite, Don't Fight: What Advocates Can And Should Do To Foster Unity


This world has a lot of problems, famine, war, the list is endless. There's also a lot of discourse, uncertainty, etc in this country and the world right now, especially politically, socially, and in advocacy. There's also a lot of issues in disability rights, and advocacy, both nationally and in this state. Such issues include but aren't limited to, digital accessibility, voting access, rideshare denials, and ending sub-minimum wage, just to name a few. This year, things will be even more intense, due to changing administrations, and in Ohio, this year it's budget season once again. While discourse and disagreement is good, there's a lot of in-fighting, partisanship, etc, which isn't good for anyone. As advocates, we need to unite, not fight, and, yes, foster some new relationships, and maintain relationships with current allies, whether policymakers, or other advocates.

This post is not meant to be political, nor endorse any particular person or party. I want this to be people and advocates together. Here are some things we can do as advocates.


1. Find some common ground we can work together on.
The National Federation Of The Blind, and the American Council Of The Blind, are 2 very different groups, and as such they have different advocacy styles, and advocate on different issues. However, they have found some common ground. A big example of this, is when they came together for a protest outside of Lyft's and Uber's headquarters in San Fransisco California. All too often, while there's common ground, we are not in agreement about how things should get done, etc. Let's look at big issues whether it's state issues, such as the direct care workforce crisis, or national issues, such as digital accessibility, and find ways we can work together, and unite.
I'm not saying that we can't work separately, but, if we can work together on various parts of an issue, or even an issue, it will foster a lot of unity.


2. Maintain Relationships With Current Allies in Policy and in the legislature
As advocates, we have a lot of allies, whether it's our family, friends, careworkers, or anyone else no matter what relationship they have with you. However, some of the most important allies we have, are the policymakers and our legislators. These are the people that can help us get things done, and make changes that can have a positive impact both nationally and at the state level for disability rights. Therefore, maintaining the rapport you have with or legislators is another way advocates can foster unity. These will be especially helpful once budget season starts.

3. Build Reltionships with new and incoming legislators
This year, there will be some new legislators in office in certain districts, both in Ohio and throughout the United States. For some, that may mean establishing new connections. This can be scary, and intimidating, on so many levels. But, we should at least try and reach out, and build a rapport with them, no matter what side of the aisile you both are on. You may be on the left, and sy may be on the right, but, that shouldn't matter. When it comes to advocacy, I check politics at the door. I'm not saying there isn't politics in advocacy, because there is. However, when it comes to disability rights, advocacy etc, we should be willing to work across political, social, and other lines. This is what I try to do. I try and overlook differences, and see where agrements can be reached. We're not going to agree with every one on every thing, and that's ok! In fact, it's what makes this country so great! But, if we can find common ground, and be civil when we disagree, we will get a lot more done. If you have new reps and senators in your districts, reach out and introduce yourself to them. Educate them on what life is like for people with disabilities nationally, in Ohio, and day-to-day. Educate them on the waiver systems in Ohio. Educate them on the issues that are important to you. Who knows, you may find more common ground than you thought you'd find, and you may find a new ally!

These are just a few ways we can foster unity. With budget season starting, and, various other changes that will be happening politically, it's more important now more than ever to come together. I'd like to hear from you. How else can we foster unity in the disability and advocacy community? How are you fostering unity and bringing people together? I want to hear your thoughts. Again, let me reitterate that this is not meant to be political post, nor is this post meant to endorse anyone. The goal of this post, is promote unity.