Push Day: Post Event Pontifications

A sea of red-clad DD advocates flooded the South lawn of the Capitol on Wednesday.  It was a day so powerful and so poignant that some of the InterHab staff are still wearing their red (in the form of sun burns) as we reflect on our annual Push Day event.  InterHab staffers agree that this year’s event seemed to have all the elements of success and it got us thinking…what makes Push Day successful?

Participation

We had an outstanding turnout this year!  Bus-loads from across the entire state brought a combined total of more than 800 participants.

Enthusiasm

While it would certainly be understandable that after many months of intense efforts (letter writing, e-mail sending, forum-holding, event-hosting, etc.), advocates might feel more than frustrated, even angry.  But ralliers set their frustrations aside and let the camaraderie of the day set the tone.  They were confident, consistent, and courteous – exactly the type of advocacy needed for the day.

Action

The combined effort of simply being there was enough to send a strong message to legislators and the Governor, but your participation in the “Real People Real Mementos” activity and your efforts to visit legislators inside the Capitol created a powerful reality that simply couldn’t be ignored.

Media

A consistent spotlight on this issue throughout the year (created by you) culminated in thorough media coverage for Push Day.  Radio, television and print from a variety of regions covered our event.  For a highlight of news coverage, please visit the InterHab facebook page.

Legislator Attendance

We had a record number of legislators come out to support rally participants!  Senator Laura Kelly, Senator Dick Kelsey, and Representative Jim Ward all came to address and encourage advocates.   Several more legislators came to join the crowd and visit constituents.

YOU!

There are a number of elements that create a great experience on Push Day (in fact, the element of weather is a pretty big one).  But it’s clear that the number one contributor to our combined success is YOU!  YOU, the person who coordinates the bus rides, you who ensures everyone is wearing red, you who came as staff support for persons with disabilities, and you the person who wants to stick up for what is right for the Kansas DD system.

So thank you.  Thank you to InterHab leaders who shepherded this event and empowered people to participate.  Thank you to the volunteers who helped us run Push Day.  And thank you to every single person with disabilities, every staff person, and every family member who participated in Push Day!