The Arc: Local Advocacy. Statewide Impact. National Voice.

The Arc Upper Valley provides advocacy at both the individual and systems levels in the Grand Forks region. We work directly with individuals with disabilities and their families to address concerns, protect rights, and navigate services. We also work with disability service providers to help ensure the rights of the people they serve are respected, protected, and upheld. At the systems level, we advocate for broader changes that promote inclusion, equal opportunity, and human rights.

Our local systems advocacy work may include writing letters, issuing public statements, providing testimony, sharing information with policymakers, gathering stories and experiences, and collaborating with community leaders and other organizations. We also recognize the importance of working together to address issues that extend beyond our local community.

Our advocacy extends across North Dakota through collaboration with other chapters of The Arc and our membership with The Arc of North Dakota, which leads statewide legislative advocacy efforts. When local issues call for additional support, we can turn to The Arc of North Dakota for assistance with systems-level advocacy, including letters, public statements, testimony, and engagement with policymakers and other decision-makers.

At the national level, The Arc of the United States advocates for federal policies that protect the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Its work addresses important issues such as education, healthcare, employment, housing, community living, and access to services and supports. Through federal policy advocacy, public education, and national initiatives, The Arc works to influence legislation, protect existing rights, and advance opportunities for people with disabilities across the country. The national organization also provides resources, policy information, and advocacy tools that help strengthen the work of state and local chapters.

Advocacy is a collaborative effort. Just as we can call upon our state and national partners for support, The Arc Upper Valley can contribute to their advocacy efforts when called upon. This may include providing testimony, writing letters of support, gathering and sharing personal stories (with permission), identifying emerging issues, and bringing local perspectives to state and federal policy discussions.

The voices of people directly impacted by these issues are essential to effective advocacy. We encourage individuals with disabilities and their families to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas through the work of The Arc. Their perspectives help identify emerging needs, shape advocacy priorities, and ensure that decisions affecting their lives are informed by those who experience the impact firsthand. Whether through sharing personal stories, participating in listening sessions, or speaking directly with policymakers, every voice has an important role in creating meaningful change.

When you join The Arc Upper Valley, you become part of a larger advocacy network, with membership benefits extending to the state and national organizations. Together, our local, state, and national efforts help ensure that the voices of people with disabilities and their families are heard at every level of government.

To learn more about the important advocacy work happening at the local, state, and national levels, visit the websites of The Arc Upper Valley, The Arc of North Dakota, and The Arc of the United States. Each organization shares information about current advocacy efforts, public policy issues, resources, and opportunities to get involved.