Illinois Epilepsy Advocacy Day

Before you go:

• Find your legislators on the Illinois State Legislative Directory. We will find them for you, but it will be helpful for you to know beforehand. 
• Get informed. As we get closer to the date, check the advocacy packet received and look over the latest bills that will affect people with epilepsy.
• Advocate early. Start advocating now! Sign up to receive action alerts about critical issues and legislation here: http://cqrcengage.com/efa/app/register?5&m=101050 Throughout the year, the Epilepsy Foundation's Speak Up, Speak Out program will inform you about important issues facing people with epilepsy and what you can do to help. 

 On Advocacy Day (Morning):

• Dress appropriately and in purple! You don't have to wear a suit and tie, but we will be representing those who cannot advocate for themselves. This will be a long day of walking so wear comfortable shoes.
• If you are taking the bus, arrive at the EFGC office (17 N. State Street, Chicago, IL) at 5:45am or on the South side of the Hinsdale Oasis (5800 Tri-State Tollway, Hinsdale, IL) and park your car in the staff lot by 6:30am. 
• When you arrive at Stratton Building, take the elevator down to the cafeteria to meet our group. Lunch will be served.

On Advocacy Day (Lobbying):

• Your efforts here allow us to be heard.
• You may be asked to present a photo ID. Please remember that we will be going into a government building and may be asked to wait in lines at security and go through a metal detector.
• From the Capitol building, Stratton can be reached by going downstairs and following the signs in the tunnel. Representatives who have offices in this building will be on the second floor and share space, so you will need to walk around and look for their name on the front desks or ask their assistants.
• If you can't find your legislator, there are information desks both in the Capitol (ground floor) and Stratton offices (2nd floor) to help you.
• If your legislator is in session, do not be discouraged. Let his/her staff member know you were here to speak to him/her. Please do not forget to leave a folder with fact sheets noting your visit with the list of bills you wish for them to support checked off.
• Ask the staff person if he/she knows when the legislator is scheduled to return. The legislator may have committee hearings afterwards; consider heading to those and meet your legislator before or after the committee hearing.
• If you do get to speak to your legislator, be confident and precise. Remember, they are busy but they do WANT to hear from you. You are helping them by approaching them. After speaking to your legislator, consider sending us an e-mail at cnunes@epilepsychicago.org letting us know how the meeting went and what (if any) comments your legislator had.
• After you have visited your legislators, consider helping a friend locate their's, heading up to the chamber galleries and watch some of the debate, or exploring the Capitol building.
• Also consider taking a photo with your legislator and tagging it with #EpilepsyAdvocacyDay on social media platforms.

Please contact Casey Nunes for any questions or comments at cnunes@epilepsychicago.org or 312-939-8622 x 206.

Photography and Videography 

By registering for and attending Epilepsy Advocacy Day, you grant the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago and its authorized representatives permission to film, photograph, or otherwise record your participation in the event. You further agree that such images, photographs, and recordings may be used by EFGC without your prior approval in any form and for any lawful purpose including, without limitation, promoting EFGC. Such use will not entitle you to any credit or compensation. You release EFGC, its officers, and employees from any liability connected with the use of any image, photograph, or recording taken during Epilepsy Advocacy Day.

 Photo Galleries:

Advocacy Day 2017

Advocacy Day 2016

Advocacy Day 2015

Advocacy Day 2014