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ADVOCACY AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOOL KIT - CLICK HERE

HOW TO TAKE ACTION


We stated our case — now our legislators need to hear from YOU, your families, friends, coworkers, and supporters.


The IDD community needs strong voices speaking loudly and clearly about why a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is critical to protecting services and supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout New Jersey.


Here’s how you can help:

• Share NJACP advocacy posts and updates on social media

• Encourage family and friends to contact legislators

• Help educate your community on why this funding matters

• Use your voice to support the individuals, families, and providers impacted every day


Together, we can make sure legislators understand that a 3% COLA is not a bonus — it is a lifeline.


Take Action – NJACP

Your voice matters — let’s make sure it’s heard.

Advocacy Day 2026 Photo Album Now Available!

Thank you to everyone who participated in NJACP's Advocacy Day 2026! It was an incredible day of advocacy, education, and sharing our message with legislators about the importance of a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for community-based IDD services.


We are excited to share our Advocacy Day Photo Album, featuring many of the special moments captured throughout the day.


We know there were many cameras throughout the day, and we'd love to continue adding to the collection! If you have photos from Advocacy Day that you'd like to share, please email them to: asknjacp@gmail.com


Our team will review and upload additional photos as they are received so the album can continue to grow and reflect the full experience of the day.


Thank you again for helping make Advocacy Day such a success. Together, we continue to raise awareness and advocate for the resources needed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across New Jersey.

📸 To View the Photo Album Click on image above.



Please feel free to browse the album and download any photos of your team, colleagues, friends, or participants.
 

Why Is Budget Advocacy So Critical for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities?


Decisions made in Trenton directly shape the daily lives of individuals with IDD and their families. The state budget determines whether people can live with dignity in their communities — with proper staffing, housing, and essential support services.

For NJACP, budget advocacy is not optional — it is central to our mission. When funding reflects community priorities, individuals thrive. When it falls short, families face isolation, workforce shortages intensify, and opportunities shrink.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

Members, families, and friends can take action today. Through NJACP’s Voter Voice platform, you can send customized or pre-written messages to your legislators — and during active campaigns, you can resend messages every 24 hours to increase visibility and impact.


🔗 NJACP’s current Action Alert: Click Here to Take Action Today


KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Below, you will find information that explains the budget process and why it is critical — right now — to advocate for the IDD community.



I encourage everyone to learn how you can help us help you — and ensure that New Jersey families have the strong voice they deserve.

How Does New Jersey’s Budget Process Actually Work?


New Jersey’s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30 — but advocacy begins months earlier.

  • Fall: The Department of Human Services hosts budget listening sessions.
  • January: The Governor prepares the budget.
  • March: Within a day or days of the Governors Address, public budget hearings in the Assembly and Senate
  • Spring: Legislative committees hold departmental public hearings, including DHS
  • June: Final negotiations take place before adoption.


Understanding this timeline helps advocates know when and how to act.



▶ Watch Maureen break down the NJ budget timeline and key engagement windows.

▶ Watch Maureen explain why late-stage advocacy is pivotal.

When Are the Most Important Moments to Advocate?


There are critical windows where voices matter most:

  • During budget hearings
  • NJACP’s State House Advocacy Day (late May)
  • The final weeks of negotiations in June


Under a new governor and new legislative leadership, engagement is even more important. Visibility, communication, and persistence can shape outcomes.



What Is NJACP Asking for in the FY27 Budget?


NJACP is advocating for a 3% across-the-board Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Why does this matter?



  • Strengthens Direct Support Professional (DSP) wages
  • Expands housing and program options
  • Increases system capacity
  • Helps reduce a residential waiting list of over 5,000 individuals


This investment supports community integration, workforce stability, and dignity for people with IDD.




▶ Watch Maureen outline the 3% COLA request and what it means for families.

▶ Watch and Learn how Members, Family and Friends can take Action Today.

How Can NJACP Members Make the Greatest Impact? Legislators Need to Hear from YOU!


Legislators respond most strongly to constituents in their districts.

NJACP provides:

  • Talking points
  • Sample testimony
  • Meeting coordination
  • Electronic Calls to Action
  • Voter Voice messaging tools


Members can send customized or pre-written messages — and resend every 24 hours during active campaigns to increase visibility and impact.


Advocacy is strongest when many voices speak together.

Why Is Advocacy Especially Urgent Right Now?


With a new governor and new assembly members, priorities are still forming.


This is a defining moment to ensure:

  • Community supports remain strong
  • The 3% COLA is recognized as essential
  • IDD services remain a budget priority


Silence leaves room for assumptions. Action creates momentum.
 

▶ Watch Maureen’s closing message to NJACP members.

NJ Association of Community Providers | 140 Scotch Rd | Ewing, NJ 08628 US

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