Advocacy Resources and Tools
*A Companion Guide to "Advocacy 101"*
Sample Letters and Templates
1. Initial Contact Letter Template
```
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Title]
[Organization]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Dear [Name/Title],
I am writing regarding accessibility concerns at [specific location/issue]. This matter affects [describe impact on community] and requires attention because [specific reason].
The current situation [describe problem specifically with measurements, dates, and details]. This presents challenges for [describe affected groups] by [explain specific impacts].
Under [cite relevant law/regulation], this area should [describe required accessibility standards]. I request that you [specific action requested] to address this issue.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. I can be reached at [your contact information].
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your role/affiliation if relevant]
```
2. Follow-up Email Template
```
Subject: Follow-up on Accessibility Concerns at [Location]
Dear [Name],
I am following up on my letter dated [date] regarding accessibility issues at [location].
Since my initial contact:
- [Update on situation]
- [Any changes or developments]
- [Community response/support]
I would like to:
1. Schedule a meeting to discuss solutions
2. Share additional documentation
3. Connect you with resources/experts
Please let me know when we can discuss this matter further.
Best regards,
[Your name]
[Contact information]
```
3. Public Comment Script Template
```
Hello, my name is [Name]. I am a [resident/community member/role] speaking about accessibility at [location/issue].
The current situation:
- [Key point 1]
- [Key point 2]
- [Key point 3]
This affects our community by:
- [Impact 1]
- [Impact 2]
- [Impact 3]
I propose:
- [Solution 1]
- [Solution 2]
- [Solution 3]
Thank you for your time and consideration.
```
Documentation Templates
1. Accessibility Issue Log
```
Location:
Date Observed:
Time:
Weather Conditions (if relevant):
Issue Description:
- Specific measurements
- Applicable standards
- Photo references
- Impact on accessibility
Witnesses/Supporters:
- Names
- Contact information
- Statements
Previous Reports:
- Dates
- Reference numbers
- Responses received
```
2. Community Impact Statement
```
Issue:
Location:
Date:
Community Members Affected:
- Demographics
- Numbers
- Specific impacts
Economic Impact:
- Business access
- Employment effects
- Tourism implications
Safety Concerns:
- Specific hazards
- Incident reports
- Near-miss events
Proposed Solutions:
- Short-term fixes
- Long-term solutions
- Cost estimates
```
Media Resources
1. Press Release Template
```
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date]
Contact:
[Name]
[Phone]
[Email]
Headline: [Compelling Title About Issue]
[City, State] - First paragraph: Who, what, where, when, why
Second paragraph: More detail about the issue and impact
Quote from a community member or expert
Background information
Call to action
###
```
2. Social Media Campaign Guide
```
Hashtag Strategy:
#AccessibilityMatters
#AccessibleCommunity
[Local hashtags]
Key Messages:
1. [Primary message]
2. [Supporting point]
3. [Call to action]
Visual Content:
- Before/after photos
- Infographics
- Video clips
- Personal stories
```
Contact Directory
Federal Resources
1. ADA Information Line
- Phone: 1-800-514-0301
- TTY: 1-800-514-0383
- Website: www.ada.gov
2. U.S. Access Board
- Phone: 1-800-872-2253
- Email: info@access-board.gov
- Website: www.access-board.gov
State and Local Resources
[Editor's Note: This section would be customized based on location]
1. State Building Code Office
- Contact information
- Jurisdiction
- Filing procedures
2. Local Government
- ADA Coordinator
- Building Department
- Public Works
- City Council
Advocacy Organizations
1. National Disability Rights Network
- Website: www.ndrn.org
- Phone: 202-408-9514
- Email: info@ndrn.org
2. American Association of People with Disabilities
- Website: www.aapd.com
- Phone: 202-521-4316
- Email: communications@aapd.com
Legal Resources
Legal Aid Organizations
1. Disability Rights Legal Center
- Website: www.drlcenter.org
- Phone: 213-736-1334
- Focus areas
- Intake procedures
2. National Disability Rights Network
- Website: www.ndrn.org
- Local affiliate finder
- Resources
Campaign Planning Tools
1. Advocacy Campaign Planner
```
Campaign Name:
Issue Focus:
Timeline:
Goals:
1. Primary Goal:
- Measurable outcome
- Timeline
- Success indicators
2. Secondary Goals:
- Support targets
- Community engagement
- Awareness metrics
Key Stakeholders:
1. Decision Makers:
- Name/Title
- Contact info
- Best approach
- Previous position
2. Allies:
- Organizations
- Community leaders
- Business supporters
- Media contacts
Timeline:
Phase 1: Research & Documentation
- Gather data
- Document issues
- Collect stories
- Build evidence
Phase 2: Community Engagement
- Form coalition
- Hold meetings
- Build support
- Train advocates
Phase 3: Action
- Launch campaign
- Media outreach
- Public events
- Official contacts
Phase 4: Follow-up
- Track progress
- Document changes
- Celebrate wins
- Plan next steps
```
2. Meeting Planning Guide
```
Meeting Type:
□ Community Forum
□ Official Meeting
□ Strategy Session
□ Press Event
Preparation Checklist:
□ Venue accessibility verified
□ ASL interpreters arranged
□ Materials in alternative formats
□ Technology needs addressed
□ Refreshments planned
Agenda Template:
1. Welcome/Introductions (5 min)
2. Issue Overview (10 min)
3. Personal Stories (15 min)
4. Action Plans (20 min)
5. Next Steps (10 min)
Follow-up Plan:
- Meeting minutes
- Action items
- Responsibility assignments
- Timeline commitments
```
Data Collection Tools
1. Accessibility Survey Template
```
Location Survey Form
Date: _____________
Surveyor: _________
Entrance:
□ Door width: _____
□ Threshold height: _____
□ Door pressure: _____
□ Ramp slope: _____
□ Clear approach path: _____
Parking:
□ Number of accessible spaces: _____
□ Van accessible spaces: _____
□ Access aisle width: _____
□ Signage height: _____
□ Route to entrance clear: Y/N
Interior:
□ Aisle width: _____
□ Turn radius areas: _____
□ Counter heights: _____
□ Restroom accessibility: _____
□ Emergency exits: _____
Photos Taken:
□ Entrance
□ Parking
□ Interior
□ Problem areas
□ Compare features
```
2. Impact Documentation Log
```
Personal Story Collection
Date: _____________
Location: _________
Contact Info: ______
Impact Description:
- What happened?
- When did it occur?
- Who was affected?
- What was the result?
Supporting Evidence:
□ Photos
□ Videos
□ Witnesses
□ Related documents
Follow-up Needed:
□ Additional documentation
□ Expert consultation
□ Legal review
□ Medical documentation
```
Budget and Funding Resources
1. Grant Application Guide
```
Common Grant Elements:
1. Project Summary
- Clear problem statement
- Specific solution proposed
- Community impact
- Timeline
- Budget overview
2. Budget Template:
Income Sources:
□ Foundation grants
□ Government funding
□ Community donations
□ Business sponsors
□ In-kind support
Expenses:
□ Equipment
□ Materials
□ Professional services
□ Training
□ Documentation
3. Evaluation Plan:
- Success metrics
- Data collection
- Reporting schedule
- Community feedback
```
2. Fundraising Plan Template
```
Campaign Goal: $_______
Timeline: ___________
Funding Sources:
1. Individual Donors
- Target: $_____
- Strategy:
- Timeline:
- Key contacts:
2. Business Support
- Target: $_____
- Potential sponsors:
- Approach plan:
- Benefits offered:
3. Events
- Type:
- Target: $_____
- Date:
- Venue:
- Volunteer needs:
```
Coalition Building Tools
1. Stakeholder Mapping Template
```
Organization Name:
Primary Contact:
Resources Available:
Alignment with Goals:
Potential Contribution:
□ Funding
□ Volunteers
□ Expertise
□ Media contacts
□ Political influence
Engagement Plan:
- Initial contact
- Meeting schedule
- Role definition
- Communication plan
```
2. Partnership Agreement Template
```
Partnership Purpose:
Shared Goals:
Term of Agreement:
Roles & Responsibilities:
Partner A will:
1.
2.
3.
Partner B will:
1.
2.
3.
Resource Sharing:
- Financial
- Staff time
- Materials
- Space
- Equipment
Communication Plan:
- Regular meetings
- Updates
- Decision process
- Conflict resolution
```
Social Media Campaign Tools
1. Content Calendar Template
```
Month: _____________
Campaign: __________
Weekly Themes:
Week 1: Awareness
Week 2: Education
Week 3: Action
Week 4: Impact
Daily Content Plan:
Monday: Statistics/Facts
Tuesday: Personal Stories
Wednesday: Action Items
Thursday: Progress Updates
Friday: Community Spotlight
Weekend: Engagement Posts
Content Types:
□ Photos
□ Videos
□ Infographics
□ Stories
□ Polls
□ Live events
```
2. Social Media Response Guide
```
Response Categories:
Supportive Comments:
- Thank contributor
- Share additional information
- Invite further engagement
- Ask for specific support
Questions:
- Respond within 24 hours
- Provide accurate information
- Include relevant links
- Offer follow-up contact
Negative Comments:
- Remain professional
- Provide facts
- Redirect to private channel if needed
- Document serious issues
Key Message Points:
1. Issue importance
2. Community impact
3. Proposed solutions
4. How to help
```
Monitoring and Evaluation Tools
1. Progress Tracking Matrix
```
Project: ___________
Period: ___________
Goals & Objectives:
Goal 1: _____________
Metrics:
□ Quantitative measures
□ Qualitative indicators
□ Timeline targets
□ Budget alignment
Progress Indicators:
□ Not started
□ In progress
□ Completed
□ Delayed
Documentation:
□ Photos
□ Reports
□ Testimonials
□ Data collected
```
2. Impact Assessment Template
```
Campaign: __________
Date: _____________
Measurable Outcomes:
1. Physical Changes
- Before/after documentation
- Compliance verification
- Usage statistics
2. Community Impact
- Number of people affected
- Accessibility improvements
- Quality of life changes
- Economic benefits
3. Policy Changes
- New regulations
- Updated procedures
- Implementation plans
- Enforcement measures
4. Awareness Changes
- Media coverage
- Public understanding
- Business participation
- Government response
```
Emergency Response Tools
1. Rapid Response Protocol
```
Issue Alert System:
1. Immediate Response Needed
□ Safety hazard
□ Rights violation
□ Service disruption
□ Media inquiry
2. Action Steps
□ Document issue
□ Contact authorities
□ Alert coalition members
□ Prepare statement
□ Mobilize support
3. Communication Plan
□ Key contacts list
□ Message points
□ Media strategy
□ Community updates
```
2. Crisis Communication Template
```
Situation Overview:
- What happened
- When it occurred
- Who is affected
- Current status
Immediate Actions:
1. Documentation
2. Notifications
3. Response plan
4. Support mobilization
Communication Channels:
□ Email alerts
□ Social media
□ Press releases
□ Phone tree
□ Text messages
```
Celebration and Recognition Tools
1. Success Story Template
```
Achievement:
Date:
Location:
Key Elements:
1. Challenge Addressed
- Initial situation
- Barriers overcome
- Community impact
2. Solution Implemented
- Actions taken
- Resources used
- Timeline followed
3. Results
- Immediate impact
- Long-term benefits
- Unexpected outcomes
4. Recognition
- Key contributors
- Support received
- Lessons learned
```
2. Recognition Program Guide
```
Categories:
□ Individual Achievement
□ Business Leadership
□ Government Cooperation
□ Community Support
□ Innovation Awards
Recognition Methods:
□ Certificates
□ Public ceremony
□ Media coverage
□ Newsletter features
□ Annual awards
Documentation:
□ Photos/videos
□ Testimonials
□ Impact statements
□ Success metrics
```
Resource Directory Maintenance
1. Update Protocol
```
Quarterly Review:
□ Contact information
□ Program details
□ Funding sources
□ Legal updates
□ New resources
Annual Assessment:
□ Success stories
□ Challenge areas
□ New partnerships
□ Future needs
□ Strategic planning
```
2. Community Feedback System
```
Feedback Channels:
□ Online surveys
□ Focus groups
□ Comment cards
□ Social media
□ Direct contact
Response Protocol:
□ Acknowledge receipt
□ Review feedback
□ Plan improvements
□ Implement changes
□ Follow up
```
*Note: These templates and tools should be customized for your specific needs and situation. Regular updates and modifications based on experience and community feedback will improve their effectiveness.*
