January 21, 2010

 How Do I Get Information on the California Budget?

 
Every year when the California budget process starts up again, I have the urge to stop paying attention. It’s so overwhelming and the news is not good! But I can’t do that—none of us can do that. And why? Because legislators need to hear from families of children with special health care needs. They need to know what everyday families are going through and how they are struggling. And in order to tell our stories to legislators, in order to build up the confidence we need to step foot in their local offices, we have to start somewhere. 
 
So we start by educating ourselves. We get connected so that some time in the near future, we can take the leap. Then, when we’re ready, we can start joining committees, parent groups, educating other parents about what we find out, and talking with decision-makers. And why do it? Because no-one has more experience with special health care needs than you do. When policymakers are deciding on how much to cut IHSS or Regional center services to balance California’s budget, if they don’t hear from you, they’ll assume that you don’t care. That the cuts won’t impact you. But you know differently. You know how hard these cuts will hit your family and other families like yours. 
 
How do you take that first step? 

  • Get an email account and use it regularly. Even if you don’t have a computer at home, make a habit of going to the library once a week, or borrowing your friend’s computer. 
     
  • Sign up for a few listservs for organizations that provide updates and action alerts. A group email list, when there’s a new update, you’ll get an email directly to your inbox. Also search Yahoo groups for listservs of other families in your area.
     
  • Attend free webinars or trainings through your local Family Resource Center, or other state or nationwide organizations
     
  • Get practice: 1) send letters to your legislators when there’s an action alert (remember to include a personal story before you send the template); 2)  attend local committee or board meetings; 3) make a public comment or give testimony; 4) organize a letter writing campaign; 5) find another way to take action. There are so many options that everyone can find something that suits their personality. Practicing will build your confidence, your power, your skills—all of which make a good leader.

Here is a list of organizations with informative listservs that provide opportunities to get involved:

Tara Robinson is the Manager for Family Voices of CA, a statewide collaborative of locally-based parent run centers working to ensure quality health care for children and youth with special health care needs. To sign up for our statewide listserv or free monthly webinar trainings, please visit our website at www.familyvoicesofca.org.