The Arc Gala: Fund a Need

2023 Arc Gala Fund-A-Need

The Arc Minnesota is a leader in legislative advocacy in our state; working alongside people who have disabilities to transform systems and laws that make our communities more equitable and just. Although much has been accomplished by our small but mighty public policy team, so much more can be done to foster belonging and build power in the disability community.  

People with disabilities are far too often left out of conversations about bills and laws that directly impact their lives. Their intersecting identities are not part of the considerations made when decisions about systems and supports are discussed. Most policy decisions are made by people who do not have lived experience.  However, we know that when legislators and policy makers learn from people who have disabilities and build deeper understanding about the issues that affect them, systems and social change is made.  

The 2023 Gala will center on our public policy programming, with the goal of broadening our reach and strengthening our impact in legislative and grassroots advocacy.  Public policy is one of our core programming pillars but it is one of our most under-resourced programs. The funds we secure at the gala will change that. The Arc Minnesota will make strategic investments in personnel, community engagement and outreach, coalition building, and resource development.  

Deliverables include: 

• Onboard staff with lived experience who co-create our lobbying strategy and work directly with legislators  

• Build new and expanded toolkits to help individuals and regional teams engage with policy makers and advance legislative priorities 
• Expand to three new regions with our grassroots advocacy network – The Arc Minnesota’s Capitol Connectors Teams 
• Increase recruitment efforts to host an additional 500 people at Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol 
• Engage with 10 new partners across the state on key legislative priorities 

You can support our Fund a Need here:

Join us for a night of celebration as we advance public policy in Minnesota.