Legislative Resources

To be an effective advocate or self-advocate, one needs to make the best use possible of available tools and support resources. The following are just a handful of suggestions for places to turn for information during one's own advocacy efforts..

Capwiz/NACDD MegaVote

Found this one while putting together a list of national developmental disability councils. It's called MegaVote, an online tool by CapWiz being provided through the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).

Signup for MegaVote is easy and involves providing your zip code and email address in order to receive updates on how your Senators and U.S. Representatives are voting on pertinent issues. At first glance, anyway, looks like a wonderful tool for those who wish to stay up-to-date and involved in politics locally.

GovTrack.us: "Knowledge about government is power"

Found the GovTrack.us accidentally while researching H. R. 4704, the Emergency Preparedness and Response for Individuals With Disabilities Act of 2006.

THOMAS: Legislative Information On The Internet

Presented as being in the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, THOMAS is a searchable database of current agendas for the United States' House of Representatives and Senate. Topics covered by the THOMAS website include: the House Floor This Week, the House Floor Now, Senate Majority, and Senate Minority. Bill texts for the current Congress are searchable by bill number and keyword or phrase.

Leadership Council on Civil Rights (LCCR) Voting Records

If you're looking to see how your legislator's voting record along with how that vote record affects civil rights, the Leadership Council on Civil Rights (LCCR) offers updated scorecards in .pdf file form. The LCCR's Voting Rights Scorecard Research Center webpage additionally references past sessions along with links to other likeminded civil rights organzations presenting similar information. More widespread reporting is done by the Civil Rights Monitor of all three branches of United States Government.

..Advocacy Support and Resource Links ··»

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there..

·» Will Rogers «·