Collaboration
A question being discussed at our offices right now is: How do we, DRT, engage in an increasingly partisan world as a nonpartisan organization? Our Executive Director, Lisa Primm, speaks directly to this question in her Spotlight letter this month. You can read it HERE.
We're sure that this conversation will continue, particularly as the legislative session has just started. While our organization has historically had a dedicated staff person responsible for our legislative advocacy, that person has never worked alone. Rather, they work inside a strong system of support.
Within DRT, we work closely with our advocacy staff to provide illustration of what is happening in the communities in which they work. Legislators learn and are reminded of issues their constituents are facing when we provide this “on-the-ground” point of view. We also utilize our legal expertise to provide education and support to legislators, through bill monitoring, legal research and drafting bills.
DRT also partners with other organizations to promote and advance policies impacting Tennesseans with disabilities. Our most significant collaboration is with the Disability Policy Alliance. This Alliance is comprised of DRT, The Arc Tennessee, the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee. These four agencies meet regularly to share their unique expertise and collectively represent Tennesseans with disabilities.
At DRT, collaboration is key in protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. Effective and successful policy is created when we put aside partisanship and work together to improve our communities.
Happy Watching!
Kelsey Loschke
Community Engagement Coordinator
|
