Pushing Political Buttons

The ongoing journal of disability advocate, Kelly Cozzone.

Political advocacy–what exactly does it entail? Unfortunately, there is no easy explanation since political advocacy comes in many forms.

However, I can describe political advocacy from my vantage point in America.

My work, in a nutshell, is to sway our state and federal politicians to enact laws that not only protect those with Fibromyalgia but also set aside vital funding for research.

Needless to say, this isn’t always the easiest task. To state that our politicians are stubborn would be an understatement.

 

For the most part, they want all the facts laid out in front of them before they will make a decision. Then they carefully consider two questions: first, whether or not the bill is the right thing to do; second (and perhaps more importantly), whether or not it will hurt their political future. Sound harsh? The sad fact is that while that is a harsh assessment, it is also the cold hard truth.

So how do you beat them at their own game? Persistence is a major factor. Yet just as important is the knowledge you represent. You can’t speak with a Senator for instance and be unable to answer their questions effectively and thoroughly. You have to be completely versed in the facts of whatever situation you are bringing to their attention.

Becoming a political activist takes years to learn the “lay of the land”. You have to learn the ins and outs of having a bill presented, sent to committee, and passed. You have to develop relationships with senators and representatives at whatever level you are challenging. For me, I work both on a state and federal level. If you thought that working at the state level would be easier, you would be incorrect. In some ways, state politicians can be even more difficult to handle.

I have two major undertakings going on right now. I have State Bill 883 currently in the senate. While it is technically still in committee, I have the votes to pass this in the Senate. If everything goes right — and we must keep our fingers crossed — this bill will also pass in the house and be signed into law by the Governor. State Bill 883 will recognize May 12th as South Carolina Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. It has been sponsored by Senator Ray Cleary. Getting the bill into committee in the Senate took over 7 months. You may think this is a long time just to make May 12th “our” big day? It’s really not. The proposal I have in Congress has been something I have been working on for almost 4 years now.

Why is making May 12th Fibromyalgia Awareness Day important? This second undertaking is something I will discuss in my next column. Until then, live life with hope and faith.

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About the Author:

Kelly Cozzone is a regular contributor to Fog Magazine. Besides writing, she is an ardent disability advocate in the state of South Carolina, where her efforts have changed lives.