Hi, This is Jon McGovern. I’m going to the Statehouse on May 6, 2025, for the Disability Advocacy Day. I’m going to contact my Legislators about me coming to the Statehouse on May 6th and that I would like to speak with them. I will be telling them what bills are important to me and why. I also like to ask them questions to learn what they are working on.
I would like to tell you what it is like at the statehouse, so you know what to expect when you go if you have never been there before. You do have to go through security. We normally go through metal detectors. If for some reason you can’t go through the metal detector you can ask to be hand scanned. Things like belt buckles, keys, and other things will set the medal detector off. They do provide containers for you to put your items in so they can be scanned separately.
You get your items back.
It can be busy and sometimes loud at the statehouse. There is a bell that goes off and that is to signal that legislators know that it is time for them to start work.
We meet in the welcome center and split up into groups and go upstairs together. It’s nice to see people from around the state.
You can sit and watch a session that takes place. We must sit quietly and watch.
You can also walk around the statehouse to see the different areas. There are some areas that are only open to people who are legislators or others that work there, or if you have an appointment.
It is important to contact your legislators in advance and let them know you will be there. It’s also good to have a list of what you would like to talk to them about. I’m working on mine, so I am prepared.
I encourage you to attend Advocacy Day. It’s an important day. It’s a great way to see what the statehouse looks likes and talk to your legislators.
We asked other self-advocates about Advocacy Day and here is what they said:
It was really cool to actually see the building where many laws are created & debated on & to learn some history! I didn’t actually get to talk to my legislators on that day because it was a little bit busy with legislators coming in & out of sessions, but it was great that some of my other disabled community probably got to hear their voices being heard. I think it was just important to make sure that the disabled community of Maine was well represented by good leaders on my advocacy day & in the future! It was a great experience being to hang out with my friends from SUFU! – From Tucker Conley
I was a little overwhelmed at first. After that, it was really cool to be there and to kind of see what goes on and how busy the statehouse is for legislators. I was given the opportunity to one year take pictures. SUFU members with their legislative person.
I was actually unable to talk with my legislators. I wish I had reached out before going on the day of advocacy day. But I got busy with other things. I was disappointed because I was not able to meet up with one of my legislators from my area. I tried flying down in the hallways, but he was busy and had to go to an important meeting.
My experience was really fun and a little frustrating at the same time. I was frustrated because of all the noise and a lot of hustle and bustle for legislators to get from one meeting to another. But I would not give up the chance to go again this year. Because I really want to be a part of advocacy day. 2 years ago we were able to go into the room that had all these senators and representatives voting on certain bills that were up for a vote, whether they would happen or not. And it was passed on to the governor afterwards. I love being able to participate in this situation because advocates that had gone to participate that day were able to be recognized by senators and representatives for all the good work that we have done to advocate for ourselves and for others who are in our situation here in Maine. – From Rose Belanger
To Sign Up for Advocacy contact Laurie Coldwell at lcoldwell@sufumaine.org or by calling 207-956-1004
If you are self-advocate and would like to share a blog post with us please email Laurie Coldwell at lcoldwell@sufumaine.org
The Speaking Up For Us (SUFU) blog contains views and opinions of each individual writer. The views and opinions expressed through these channels are purely the bloggers’ own and do not reflect the opinion of SUFU as an organization or any SUFU staff member.
