Legislative Training

Girl in wheelchair studying

Progress Center for Independent living and Independent Living Radio offer a Legislative Training Course:

Week 1:

Introduction to the program and coursework

  • Watch a Video: “The Power of 504
  • Learn about the Civil Rights Movement
  • Discuss what is meant by Advocacy and how it works

Homework: Write a few paragraphs on how advocacy is currently used in life

Week 2:

The 3 branches of the federal government

  • The Executive Branch
  • The Legislative Branch
  • The Judicial Branch

Homework: Find the names and biographical information on each of your federal and state senators and representatives

Week 3:

The 3 branches of the state government

  • The Executive Branch
  • The Legislative Branch
  • The Judicial Branch

Homework: Find an article in the newspaper referring to a state legislator or the Illinois General Assembly and bring it to class. Look up the names of the 9 justices who serve the U.S. Supreme Court  

Week 4:

Contacting your legislators

  • Ways to address issues to a legislator?
  • Write letters
  • Make phone calls
  • Face-to-face meetings

Homework: Find out what committees your state senator and representative serve in 

Week 5:

Listening to Guest Speakers

Homework: Write about what you had learned from the guest speaker, during class. Focus on scheduling meetings with your state legislators at their district offices

Week 6:

The Law Making Process

  • How a bill becomes a law
  • What do committees do?
  • The Advocacy process

Homework: Identify and follow a bill through the law-making process

Week 7:

Guest Speaker to discuss laws pertaining to people with disabilities

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.)
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • The Environmental Barriers Act of Illinois

Homework: Write a few paragraphs on how the A.D.A. has helped you

Week 8:

Guest Speaker

Homework: Write a paragraph about the issues affecting you

Week 9:

Taking your training and putting it to action

Homework: Meeting with your representatives at their district offices

Week 10:

·        GRADUATION DAY

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