The Role:
Are you passionate about creating meaningful change and amplifying the voices of the disability community? As a Systems Advocate at RCAL, you will lead advocacy efforts, build partnerships, and keep the community informed through public education and dynamic content creation. Candidates must be members of the disabled community, bringing their lived experience and unique perspective to this critical role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Policy Advocacy and Community Engagement:

   • Educate the public and elected officials about key disability policy priorities, including healthcare, education, employment, housing, transportation, and election reform.

   • Establish and maintain at least five strategic partnerships with organizations aligned with the Independent Living philosophy.

2. Educational Campaigns and Alerts:

   • Develop and distribute 44 educational alerts annually to keep local volunteers informed about pressing policy issues.

   • Organize and lead six grassroots community organizing activities to mobilize volunteers and community members around advocacy efforts.

3. Public Testimonies and Statements:

   • Deliver six impactful oral or written testimonies annually to state and local government bodies on disability-related issues.

4. Newsletter Creation and Design:

   • Manage and produce RCAL’s monthly newsletter, providing updates on advocacy efforts, events, and community resources.

   • Use Canva or similar design tools to create visually appealing, accessible, and engaging newsletters.

5. Content Development and Publication Activities:

   • Facilitate educational training events, deliver presentations, and secure media coverage to elevate disability advocacy in the community.

6. Collaboration and Reporting:

   • Work with Housing Specialists, Transition Specialists, and other staff to ensure effective collaboration on shared initiatives.

   • Track and report all activities using the statewide project database.

Qualifications:

• Membership in the disabled community and the ability to draw on lived experience to guide advocacy work.

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to inspire and mobilize others.

• Familiarity with Canva or similar design tools to create professional-quality materials.

• Proficiency with social media platforms, PowerPoint, Excel, and other modern communication tools.

• A deep understanding of local, state, and federal government operations and how they impact people with disabilities.

• A passion for disability advocacy and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Why You’ll Love This Role:
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to drive change and improve lives. As a Systems Advocate at RCAL, you’ll have the chance to be a leader in the disability rights movement and make a lasting impact on your community.