Let’s be clear right up front. The core service of individual and systems advocacy is a driving force at the heart of the Independent Living Movement. Advocacy has the power to change lives, communities, states, and nations. Major disability legislation
Advocacy and Lobbying – a review of the FAQ from ACL
Below is the FAQ from ACL on Lobbying and Advocacy. Next week we will dig deeper into what we CAN do with federal funds, or how to find other funds to pursue lobbying when it is essential to our mission.
Lobbying: What can SILCs and CILs do?
The first rule is that you cannot ever endorse a candidate. (This has to do with IRS rules around non-profit status, if you have that, and rules against state entities endorsing candidates if you are not a non-profit.) The second
Does the Hatch Act apply to CILs or SILCs?
The Hatch Act typically applies to federal employees, and may apply to state and local elected officials. It forbids intimidation or bribery of voters and restricts political campaign activities by federal employees. It does not apply to Title VII funded
So how do I keep track of lobbying?
Recently the Administration for Community Living, Independent Living Administration, distributed its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Centers for Independent Living on Allowable Advocacy Activities for Federal Grantees. As the introductory note indicates, CILs are required to conduct systems advocacy but