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
