Join the ALSTARS

The Alliance of Legislators and Survivors Together Achieving Responsible Services

What to do if you can’t get the services you need.

Join the ALSTARS and help educate your representatives on the need for services.

 

Download an ALSTARS Application here.

You can mail the application to BIANC, PO Box 10912, Raleigh, NC 27605
or Fax to 919-833-5415 or call us at 919-833-9634

This is a group of survivors who have agreed to get to know their legislators and representives from their home districts and help BIANC educate them on the need for additional funding, resources and services for individuals who have been affected by a brain injury and their families. Call BIANC at 800-377-1464 to get involved.

A BIG THANKS TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU, OUR MEMBERS, SUPPORT GROUP LEADERS, REHAB CONTACTS, AND FAMILIES WHO CONTACTED THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ASKING THEM TO SUPPORT BRAIN INJURY LEGISLATION AND BILLS TO INCREASE SERVICES AND SUPPORT AND FUNDING THAT MAKES SENSE FOR BRAIN INJURY IN OUR STATE

 

Advocacy: the 10 B’s .........How can we educate our legislators? Here are some tips.

Be Realistic: Legislators may not support everything you want. Your goal should be specific. You may only have a short time, use it wisely.

Be Prepared: Check over your talking points, ask questions and bring information with you (if needed). Look at your Legislators’ record.

Be Accessible: Respond to their questions, emails, and calls. Go to see them!

Be Honorable: Be on time. Be honest. Follow up on things you discussed if you made promises to get information, make sure you do so. If you are unsure of facts: let them know you will get the information to them at a later point, then follow up.

Be Liked: Introduce yourself, make friends with your legislator, and communicate with them during time when you don’t “want” anything. Remember the “golden rule”. Speak respectfully of the opposition, without agreeing with their view. Do not threaten them with retaliation at the polls. Know when to back off; arguing will not accomplish your goals. Thank them for meeting with you.

Be Different: Let them know you are from their district. Explain how this will benefit other folks in their district. Tell a brief versions of your story- why is YOU there advocating- don’t just rely on the talking points.Be Nicely Assertive: Ask for what you want. Get their commitment on that action. If they will not commit to your position, find out the reason or if more information is needed.

Be Brief: Get to the point and stick to it. Don’t get distracted by bringing up many other things. Legislators want to hear your story and opinion, but they have many folks wanting to talk with them about many issues. Pretend you only have 30 seconds; what would you want someone to know about you/your family/your job in that time? Tell them the most important things, and then, if you have more time, you can add more information.

Be Professional: If you have a summary of your view, leave that with legislators after your visit. Be courteous, even if the legislator disagrees with your position.

 Be Consistent: Follow up after your meeting with a thank you note or call. Know your issues and how others are supporting or opposing it. Build your relationship with your legislator throughout the year.