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Advocacy Day 2025: A Powerful Day of Connection, Courage, and Change
By Stacy Giberson, SUFU Northern Penobscot and Aroostook County Advisor and Program Coordinator
Advocacy Day 2025 was a huge success! Advocates from across the state made the journey to the Maine Statehouse to tour the building, connect with fellow advocates, and meet with their House and Senate representatives. It was an inspiring day filled with self-determination, hope, and the power of voices coming together.
For many advocates, getting to Augusta requires days or even weeks of preparation, from writing personal letters and planning travel to getting doctor’s permission, waking before sunrise, and picking out just the right outfit. Their dedication showed in every handshake and every word shared.
We came prepared with clearly written issue sheets to hand to legislators for review.
Among the most pressing topics were:
· Lack of meaningful employment opportunities
· Limited choices in day programming
· Difficulty accessing necessary medical equipment
· Voter identification concerns and homelessness
· Safe, accessible housing
· Inadequate transportation
· Lack of medical and dental services
One self-advocate, Kevin Stubbs, and his housemate Jon Robertson, traveled all the way from Presque Isle to raise an urgent concern. Kevin has been fighting for a new wheelchair after his previous one broke down. Although several medical professionals have confirmed the need, Medicaid denied his request. He currently uses a loaner chair that doesn’t meet his needs, though it helps him attend medical appointments and program activities. With his old chair being repaired and no new one expected until next year, Kevin is in the midst of appealing the decision.
Kevin and Jon arrived, and we were prepared with four folders full of documentation, including a timeline of Kevin’s wheelchair issues, appointment records, time missed from community life, and recommendations for policy reform. We are keeping our fingers crossed that a legislator will sponsor a bill to help fix the broken process for others in similar situations.
Not everyone was able to meet their own representatives, but some were lucky to be greeted by other friendly faces. Rep. Mark Babin of Fort Fairfield and Rep. Timothy Guerrette of Caribou offered (photo below) warm smiles and posed for photos in the grand Statehouse hallway before returning to their seats to represent Aroostook County on the House floor.
For those who missed their legislators, we found their seat numbers from the legislative wall list and ensured their personal letters were hand-delivered to their desks. Advocates also took time to sit in the gallery and watch as state leaders conducted official business and voted on bills.
We’re deeply grateful to the members of the House and Senate who took the time to meet with advocates. It meant the world to those who attended to be seen, heard, and acknowledged as active participants in Maine’s future.
We look forward to sharing more personal stories and following the progress of these important issues in the months ahead.
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