About Capitol Connectors Teams

Capitol Connectors Teams build awareness about issues that impact Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These teams create a statewide, grassroots advocacy network. This network and the Capitol Connectors Teams focus on public policy, systems reform, and disability justice.

Working together, we can take action to create change, and build power in Minnesota’s disability community.

Capitol Connector Teams work to:

• Create strong networks of support among self-advocates, people who have disabilities, family members, and other allies
• Build individual advocacy skills and support larger grassroots advocacy efforts
• Create relationships with elected officials who work in Minnesota and Washington, D.C.
• Take action on public policies and systems reform that impact Minnesotans who have disabilities
• Create recognition that the disability community as powerful, capable, and resilient
• Build and mobilizing power of the disability community and its allies

Capitol Connectors Teams are ACTION oriented groups that provide advocacy on critical public policy issues. ALL meetings are through Zoom. The teams are organized by Congressional District and meet monthly.

During 2025, we will be responding as needed on state and federal issues. There is no shortage of issues to work on with cuts to waiver spending proposed at the state level, and possible Medicaid reductions at the federal level, or new policies that negatively impact people with disabilities. We will work together in the meetings to contact state or federal elected officials and provide you all needed information and assistance necessary.

Join a team and help to collectively message elected officials! We will provide them with critical information to influence their decisions.

February 2025 Capitol Connector Team Meetings:

• February 4 – First Congressional District Team: 6:30 P M to 7:30 PM.
• February 5 – Fifth Congressional District: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
• February 6 – Sixth Congressional District: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
• February 7 – Second Congressional District: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• February 11 – Seventh Congressional District: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
• February 17 – Third Congressional District: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Zoom Link
• February 20 – Eighth Congressional District: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Zoom Link
• February 21 – Fourth Congressional District: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Zoom Link

Capitol Connectors Teams are sponsored by The Arc Minnesota. For more information, contact Gene Martinez, Legislative Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc Minnesota, genemartinez@arcminnesota.org

You can also sign up to join a Capitol Connectors Team by filling out this form.

Disability Policy Seminars

Watch the video below to learn more about Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) virtual visits and the roles of Facilitator and Speakers in the meetings. Contact Gene at genemartinez@arcminnesota.org for more information.