For the last several months, Annalise, Davey, and Lisa would quietly slip away for ten minutes during Soup Nights and Celebration Nights, gathering in a corner of the living room with their calendars, policy research, and enthusiasm. What looked like a small huddle was actually the beginning of something much bigger. The trio was hard at work planning this year’s trip to the state capitol in Springfield for the They Deserve More advocacy day.
Week after week, month after month, they carefully mapped out every detail. They built the day’s agenda, strategized talking points for meetings with legislators, and even found a hotel to provide our activists a comforting stay. Their commitment turned those ten-minute meetings into months of thoughtful preparation.
By the time the trip arrived, Annalise, Davey, and Lisa had inspired others to join them. What began as three advocates became a group of seven core members and assistants traveling together to Springfield on Monday evening. After settling into the hotel and making time for a visit to the pool, everyone gathered in a circle to prepare for the next day by making posters together.
Before long, the hotel room was covered with markers and posters reading phrases such as “Help the helpers” and “Fair pay is care too.” Each sign reflects the mission of They Deserve More, which calls on legislators to invest in IDD services and the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who make those services possible. This year, They Deserve More has two simple asks. First, we call on legislators to support the Governor’s proposed $0.60/hour DSP wage increase, and secondly, we ask for no cuts to services in the “zero-hour” model. The “zero-hour” model funds 24/7 staffing for group homes known as CILAs and maintains DSP service hours in the system.
When the big day came, our group was ready to meet with legislators to make our voices heard. We were thrilled when given an opportunity to speak with House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel. Davey and Stephan shared personal stories about the ways DSPs have supported them and helped make their home life safe, meaningful, and full of dignity.
After a full day of meetings, advocacy, and rallies at the Capitol, the group began the trip home. Rain forced a change of plans and canceled a visit to the zoo. Fortunately, Lisa remembered discovering the African American History Museum while researching the trip with Annalise and Davey. The group voted to visit the museum and ended up spending the afternoon learning, exploring, and enjoying time together.
While our day at the Capitol came to an end, our advocacy continues. We still need your help. Please use the link below to contact your legislators and help amplify our voices.
Take Action
