The calls we get through our individual advocacy program inform us about systemic problems. The problems people have showed us are broken sytems and which are in need of reform.
We gather with our top advocates and colleagues in the advocacy arena several times a year to prioritize which issues are most critical. CCDC believes in the power of coalition, so often we will not work on issues if they are being covered by our sister organizations.
Our strategic plan guides our priority issues and values. The plan is reviewed quarterly by the board of directors and updated every three to five years with broad input from the membership and staff.
Systems Advocate work involves attending policy related meetings including formal boards and commissions and informal working groups, showing up at the state capitol to educate lawmakers about our issues, and grassroots organizing. Systems organizing can be done on a local or statewide level and most meetings have a phone in options to facilitate rural participation. You will need to take the Basic Advocacy Training at the University of Denver. This 8 week class (once a week for 8 weeks) provides basic information on advocacy as well as the systems we encounter. You also will be paired with a mentor upon completion. In order to be a certified advocate and represent CCDC, this class is required. If you are interested in the class, please contact our manager of training Angela Nevin at anevin@ccdconline.org.
to get to learn what CCDC is all about in what CCDC does to help advocate and stop discrimination against people with disabilities.
– If you attend the orientation, you would be able to volunteer for CCDC — by attending events but not formally representing CCDC.
our values and our motto: Nothing About Us Without Us!