How a Few Emails Can Change a Law

 Real Change. Real People. Real Impact.

At Raising Voices Coalition, we know that some of the most powerful advocacy doesn’t happen in courtrooms or committee hearings—it happens when everyday people decide they’ve had enough and choose to speak up.

This past April, our community did exactly that.

With services stretched thin, providers under immense pressure, and families struggling to access consistent supports, we knew something had to give. Arizona’s funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) had long been inadequate—and this year, we decided to do something about it.

What happened next was a testament to the power of community-led advocacy.

A Community That Refused to Stay Silent

As concerns about DDD funding grew louder, Raising Voices Coalition mobilized. We built a campaign that was simple but strategic—empowering families, agencies, and advocates across Arizona to take meaningful action.

We provided:

📨 Email templates so people could quickly send personalized messages to lawmakers
📞 Talking points for phone calls to elected officials
🎥 Live briefings to explain the legislative process and build confidence
📢 Social media tools to help agencies and advocates amplify their voices

And the response?

Incredible.

Hundreds of emails poured in from parents, providers, self-advocates, and community partners. Families shared stories about canceled respite, long waitlists, and the critical need to fund the system that so many rely on every day.

One by one, those voices added up—and the legislature listened.

A Victory for DDD Services in Arizona

Because of this unified effort, lawmakers approved an increase in DDD funding in the state budget. This was a critical win for:

✅ Stabilizing the direct care workforce
✅ Supporting agencies so they can meet the growing needs of the community
✅ Ensuring families receive the services and supports they are entitled to
✅ Creating a more sustainable, responsive disability service system in Arizona

And it all started with a few emails.

You Don’t Need a Title to Make a Difference

This win didn’t come from paid lobbyists or political insiders. It came from parents writing during their lunch break, providers pausing their day to make calls, and advocates sharing stories with courage and heart.

It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional advocate to change a law—you just need a voice, a little support, and a community that has your back.

That’s what Raising Voices Coalition is all about.

Join the Movement: Be a Change Maker

The momentum is real—and we’re not done.

If you want to be part of the next wave of change, join our Learning Hub. You’ll get the tools, training, and community support you need to take action, speak up, and help shape the policies that impact your life and the lives of those you serve.

📣 Whether you're a parent, provider, or passionate advocate—this is your moment.

🔗 Join the Learning Hub

Because the next time our community needs a change, we’ll be ready.
Because one voice is powerful—but many voices, raised together, are unstoppable.
Because a few emails really can change a law.

Let’s keep raising our voices—Arizona is listening.