CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa–The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter will host its annual Advocacy Week virtually on Monday, Feb. 8 through Thursday, Feb. 11.
What: The Alzheimer’s Association feels excited for the opportunity for their advocates to reach out to their legislators and share their personal stories in a virtual setting. With more than 66,000 Iowans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, their advocates across the state will reach out through a variety of ways: virtual Zoom meetings, social media posts, letters to editors and Phone2Action alerts throughout the week to highlight the importance of supporting and protecting those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2021 legislative priority focuses on increase penalties, both civil and criminal, for those who commit elder abuse. (SSB 1082 – referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee: Subcommittee, Senators Garrett, Kinney & Reichmann. SF 202 referred to the Senate Human Resources Committee: Subcommittee, Senators Whiting, Kinney & Shipley. HF 353 referred to the House Judiciary Committee.)
When:
- Monday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – The week will kick off with a virtual advocacy training, which will include welcome remarks from Lieutenant Governor Adam Greg and members of the Iowa Legislature. Advocates will learn about advocacy priorities and how to set up and coordinate virtual legislative meetings.
- Tuesday, Feb. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Advocates will set up virtual meetings with legislators. They will also work on sending email blasts, Phone2Action, social media posts and letters to editors to show support for the Alzheimer’s Association’s priorities.
- Thursday, Feb. 11, 1:30 p.m. – Wrap Up Meeting: advocates can share what they learned and report on their legislative meetings.
Where: Register HERE. Meetings will take place via Zoom.
Why: To educate Alzheimer’s Association advocates on how to talk with legislators and share their voice to help protect Iowans affected by Alzheimer’s across the state, and to make an impact with this year’s legislature to move the bill forward to increase penalties for those who commit elder abuse.
