Public Policy and Advocacy 

Advocacy is an important part of the focus of The ALS Association, St. Louis Regional Chapter.  We are proud to join with our PALS and CALS to advocate for the needs of people with ALS and their families.

National Advocacy
Each May, The ALS Association holds an Advocacy Day and Public Policy conference in Washington, DC.  We meet with every legislator representing our service area seven in Missouri and seven in Illinois to educate them about ALS and urge their support for The ALS Association's Public Policy Priorities. This conference is open to anyone who is willing and able to attend.  Please click here for the link to The ALS Association national web site for conference information.

State Advocacy
The chapter also conducts advocacy efforts on the state level. Each year we visit our Missouri and Illinois State Capitol to visit with our legislators and to display information about ALS and chapter services for everyone to view.  We are currently working with the Missouri and Illinois state legislature to receive funding for ALS programs and services as well as state-level spending on the Respite Care Act after the bill receives funding from Congress. 

Get involved with advocacy efforts in Missouri and Illinois

• Become a member of the Advocacy Committee.
• Provide the chapter with your input on issues for advocacy - caregiver issues, tax credits, research funds, long-term care, accessibility, and so on.
• Become part of our mailing list (e-mail or regular mail) for advocacy. This will insure you will be kept informed on the issues and will give you notice as to when, why, and how to get in touch with your representatives.
• Volunteer to accompany committee members to the offices of or meetings with state and federal representative in order to address ALS issues.
• Volunteer to work on advocacy projects at area Walks to Defeat ALS.
• If you are hosting a third-party event for The ALS Association, be sure to include advocacy and education as a part of your event.

Click here to complete the Advocacy Contact List form to become involved, receive information, or request assistance with including advocacy and education at a third-party event.