Turn Your Experience Into Influence

Your voice matters — and it can shape Indiana’s disability and Medicaid policies before decisions are made. From statewide commissions to local councils, there are open seats waiting for advocates who bring lived experience and fresh perspectives.

Advisory committees and councils guide key decisions on programs, policies, and funding that directly affect your community. Members often include government officials, providers, and citizen representatives — and they are one of the most effective ways to make sure real-world needs are heard and addressed.

See the Directory of Commissions, Councils & Groups You Can Join →

How to Get a Seat at the Table

Step 1: Know the Role of the Committee

• • Find out what the group does — do they advise on Medicaid, disability services, education, transportation, or other issues?

  • Learn when and how they meet (meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are usually public).

  • Understand their influence points — some committees can recommend changes, while others review and give feedback before policies take effect.

Step 2: Identify Decision-Makers and Allies

• • Get a list of current members from the committee’s website or meeting materials.

  • Pay attention to:

    • Citizen or parent advocate seats

    • Consumer/member representatives

    • Legislators or elected officials

    • Provider or nonprofit reps who may share your concerns

  • Build connections by introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the committee’s work.

Step 3: Get on the Agenda

• Contact the chairperson or staff liaison and ask how to request an agenda item.

• Frame your issue around access, equity, or compliance with laws or best practices.

• Submit a short issue brief (1–2 pages) outlining:

  1. The problem

  2. Its impact on the community

  3. Specific solutions or recommendations

Step 4: Speak Up at Meetings

• • Attend meetings (many are open to the public and have a “public comment” period).

  • Prepare a 2–3 minute statement:

    1. Lead with a personal story.

    2. Connect it to the policy or service in question.

    3. End with a clear request for action or change.

  • Bring printed copies or email your remarks to members in advance.

Step 5: Follow Up Between Meetings

• • Send thank-you notes to members who showed interest.

  • Share updates, data, or new stories that support your position.

  • Encourage others in your network to submit comments or speak at meetings.

Step 6: Leverage Public Records

• • Meeting minutes, agendas, and recordings are usually public.

  • Use them to:

    1. Show evidence of community concerns.

    2. Support legislative or media outreach.

    3. Track what commitments have been made.

Step 7: Work Toward Membership

• • Watch for open seat announcements (posted on the committee’s website, through listservs, or via state/local government portals).

  • When applying:

    1. Highlight your lived experience and expertise.

    2. Demonstrate your ability to represent community perspectives.

    3. Share examples of your past advocacy work.

  • Even before you’re a member, you can become a trusted invited speaker by staying engaged.

💡 Pro Tip:

Committees often have influence before policies are finalized. Speaking up early — and in the right forum — increases your chance of shaping outcomes rather than reacting after decisions are made.

Need Help Applying or Getting Started?

We help families and providers understand the process and take action.

📱 Call or Text: 260-209-4404

📧 Email: info@FamilySolutionsCares.com