On January 21, 2026, the in-person Protect Our Right to Community Living! Advocacy Day brought people together for a powerful and inspiring experience. It was a day of connection, shared encouragement, and renewed energy for advocacy.
Several people participated in the opportunity to do short videos about what why saving services is important to them or why advocacy with legislators is critical. These videos will be shared in the coming weeks. Check our website and social media for updates.
It was really a fantastic opportunity to connect in person with many people we only see via Zoom these days. The Advocacy Day briefing went well. We spent time going over the issues that impact community living. Along with other community members talking about issues faced in the community, our Council’s Co-Chair Leigh Spruce did a great job talking about transportation and why it is a critical service particularly for those people who do not drive. Emily Rogers, DDC Public Policy Director, also spoke about why Medicaid is critical to community living.
Representative Darya Farivar was able to attend for a few minutes and talked about a number of bills that she is working on this session that will directly impact our community. People First of Washington gave Representative Farivar an award for all of the hard work she had done over the last session around closing the Rainier School.
Afterwards everyone headed out to the CRSA/SAIL Rally. Several people gave powerful speeches and had signs to show their support for community living. A few legislators were able to stop by and say a few words of support including: Senator Steve Conway, Representative Janice Zahn and Representative Jamila Taylor. Thank you everyone for traveling from so far away to show your support and be present to let legislators know how critically important community living is to you!
People left the Rally feeling all fired up and ready to go to the meetings they had with legislators later in the afternoon.
Your next steps:
If you met with your legislators, be sure to write them a Thank You note. These notes of appreciation go a long way toward solidifying your relationship.
Remember next week is another In-Person Advocacy Day centered around Employment. Hope to see you there!
