CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS

What is Advocacy?

The act of speaking up and taking action is called advocacy. Services for individuals living with brain injury are often determined by decisions made at the legislative level of government. Every citizen in North Carolina has a right to share their voice and be heard by public officials. Even though it may feel better in the moment to argue, blame, or rant about the issues affecting your life, concise and personal testimony can be more effective. Though it may be daunting, real change can come about when people with brain injury speak up or have someone to speak on their behalf, if needed.

What is the General Assembly?

The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA), or legislature, is made of two bodies or houses who are responsible for making and passing state laws, also known as statutes. Each legislator is voted for by citizens in their respective district in North Carolina and serves for two years. The legislature convenes in even-numbered years for shorter sessions, and every odd numbered years for its long session. Legislators are also involved in various committees to address specific issues.

The Senate

50 members
Presided by Lieutenant Governor of the State (no vote except to break tie)

The House of Representatives

120 members
Presided over by speaker elected from membership

How is a Law Made?

Concerned citizen or issue
Drafting of bill
Introduction of bill
Reference to committee
Consideration by first house
Consideration by second house
Concurrence of amendments
Enrollment, ratification, and publication

What is Your Role?

The legislation process can often be confusing and overwhelming to know how you can get involved. After a bill is drafted, it is referred to a committee for discussion. The House & Senate both get together for a session every year in the chamber to present calendared bills before deciding if those bills should be tossed, amended, and/or smoothed out into a law.

Your voice can make the difference between voting for or against a specific piece of legislation. If a legislator doesn't hear from their constituents (residents in their district) about an issue, they will have to make a guess as to what the public would want. As they are elected officials, if enough people make their thoughts known it is more likely to influence a vote. One voice in a crowd will not be as loud or have as much of an impact as a group of people saying the same thing. By advocating, you are a part of a movement and discussion larger than just one person. Individuals with brain injury, families, professionals, and their allies have a message that is impossible to ignore.

Next Steps & How to Get Involved

Advocacy involves identifying barriers to a life that is inclusive and addressing those concerns with the right people and organizations. In many cases, a person with a brain injury will advocate for better healthcare treatment, accommodations for disability, and/or for representation in legal matters. Anyone can become an effective advocate for themselves when prepared with the right information and resources. You do not need you be in this alone. You might seek out an advocate, such as a case manager, attorney, family members and/or friends to help out.