Get Involved
Here are some activities to build your advocacy skills:
1. Take a Policymaking Class through Wisconsin BPDD
Partners In Policymaking class meets for 8 weekends through September-May. The class is taught one weekend, Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings. Click here to learn more about the class.
What do you do in the class?
-
Learn how to write an elevator speech
-
Learn about disability leaders
-
Mock hearings
-
Call legislators every week
-
Watch and discuss movies
2. Attend Disability Advocacy Day
Disability Day of Action is an event focused on connecting Disability Advocates with their legislators to talk about issues that matter to them. Advocates around Wisconsin meet their legislators in the State Capitol every year in March. During Disability Advocacy Day, advocates meet in the morning at the Monona Terrace to plan their visits. After lunch, they head to the Capitol to meet legislators. Save the date for Disability Advocacy Day: Thursday, March 19, 2026.
3. Attend the Self-Determination Conference
The Self-Determination Conference is one of Wisconsin's biggest events for people with disabilities and the people who support them. This conference happens every year in October. During the conference advocates attend classes, make friends, and learn how to live self-determined lives. Click here to learn more about the conference.
Advocates can speak or share their small businesses by applying to be a micro-exhibitor at the conference. Interested in speaking at the conference? Below are the steps.
-
Think about what you want to speak about
-
Fill out the proposal form
-
Wait for your approval on your proposal
-
Register for the conference
-
If selected, start practicing your speech!
4. Join a People First Wisconsin Chapter!
People First Wisconsin has local chapters around the state that meet in-person. People First Wisconsin also has a virtual chapter that meets monthly. All are welcome to attend. This is a great way for members who do not have chapters near them to get to know each other and to connect with members of local chapters too.
