Looking Ahead to the 2026 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference
Building on Anthony’s 2024 advocacy experience in Washington, D.C.
This September, AbilityOne employees and nonprofit organizations from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference. The annual event provides participants with the opportunity to learn about advocacy, strengthen leadership skills, and meet directly with policymakers to discuss issues that impact people with disabilities and employment opportunities nationwide.
At Tasks Unlimited, we know firsthand how powerful this experience can be.
In 2024, Anthony, an AbilityOne employee and participant in Tasks Unlimited’s programs, traveled to Washington, D.C. to take part in the SourceAmerica Grassroots Advocacy Conference. He advocated on behalf of Tasks Unlimited and shared the importance of meaningful employment, recovery, and community support with legislators. His participation demonstrated the power of self-advocacy and the importance of including people with lived experience in conversations that shape public policy.
The Grassroots Advocacy Conference is about more than policy. It is about ensuring that the voices of AbilityOne employees are heard and respected. Participants have an opportunity to gain experience speaking with elected officials, learn more about how government decisions affect their lives and workplaces, and build confidence as leaders and advocates in their communities.
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“I met people who inspired me to strive for more as it relates to my personal mental, physical, and emotional health,” |
His experience serves as a reminder that advocacy is most effective when it comes from the people whose lives are directly impacted. By sharing their stories, AbilityOne employees help policymakers better understand the importance of employment opportunities, workplace supports, and community inclusion.
As this year’s conference approaches, we are excited about the opportunity for new participants to follow in Anthony’s footsteps. The Grassroots Advocacy Conference offers a chance to develop leadership skills, connect with advocates from across the country, and help shape a future in which people of all abilities have the opportunity to work, contribute, and thrive.
At Tasks Unlimited, we are proud to support opportunities that promote self-advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. We look forward to seeing the impact that this year’s conference will have on participants and the important conversations they will bring to Capitol Hill.