
by Kayla Myers, Peer Support coordinator
January 28, 2025
Edited by: ChatGPT
As a Family Peer Supporter, I've had the privilege of standing beside families during some of the most significant moments in their lives. Our journeys are filled with challenges, moments of joy, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for our children and loved ones. But through it all, one thing stands out: the undeniable power of our voices and the gift of our lived experiences.
One of the most powerful ways we can make an impact as families in our state is through advocacy, especially when we have the chance to speak directly to the lawmakers who shape policies that affect OUR lives. Legislative sessions offer a unique opportunity for our stories, experiences, and voices to be heard in a way that can create real, lasting change. And trust me, when our voices are heard in those rooms, the ripple effects can be life-changing.
As a Family Peer Supporter and a mom, I've learned firsthand how policy decisions can dramatically shape the quality of life for families, especially those of us caring for children and loved ones with disabilities, mental health challenges, or other special needs. Lawmakers are the ones who make decisions on funding, services, and programs that impact our daily lives. But how can they truly understand our needs if they don’t hear directly from those of us who rely on these services? That’s why our stories are so crucial, they bring a depth and human element to the issue that reports and statistics can't capture. When we speak, we speak from experience. Not as distant observers, but as people who live these challenges every… single… day. Our voices in legislative sessions remind lawmakers that these aren’t abstract issues. They’re the lived realities of families just like ours.
I’ve seen the incredible power of a family member advocating in these spaces. When families speak at hearings, town halls, or meetings, it’s remarkable. Lawmakers begin to see us. They start to understand the daily hurdles we face in navigating complex systems, accessing resources, and fighting for the support our children and families need. Our stories give a face to the policies being discussed, making them real, not just a number on a page. When we share how these policies impact our children’s well-being, we open doors for more inclusive, equitable, and accessible programs.
But the impact goes beyond the laws themselves. It's about shifting the culture, showing lawmakers that family voices aren’t just “nice to have” but are essential to creating policies that truly serve the people they’re meant to protect. Advocacy isn’t just about delivering a speech and walking away; it's about building relationships, keeping the conversation going, and ensuring our voices stay in the room long after a legislative session ends. When we show up, we’re not just asking for services or funding, we’re advocating for the future of our families and children. We’re making it clear that we are active participants in shaping the systems that affect our lives, not passive recipients of policy decisions.
Advocacy should always be grounded in respect and understanding. Legislative spaces can be filled with strong opinions and passionate debates, but I’ve learned that the most effective advocacy happens through thoughtful, respectful conversation. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speak urgently about our needs, it means we approach those conversations with an open heart, ready to listen, as well as to speak. Advocacy with respect creates an atmosphere where we can find common ground, even with those who may not fully grasp the challenges we face. Constructive dialogue isn’t just about pushing for solutions; it's about engaging in a process of learning, growth, and change.
I urge you to find your voice in legislative sessions. Don’t underestimate the power of your story. Every act of advocacy, whether testifying at a hearing or having a one-on-one conversation with a policymaker makes a difference. When we speak with honesty and integrity, we not only amplify our own experiences but also pave the way for others to be heard. We have a responsibility to stand up for what is right, to ensure that the needs of families are met, and to hold our lawmakers accountable for their promises. The presence of our voices in legislative rooms is profound.
So, let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep speaking up. And most importantly, let’s keep demanding a world where our voices aren’t just heard, they are truly listened to and respected. Together, we can create lasting change, one voice at a time.