As you may know, The Arc has been working to build our capacity to engage in litigation to advance the rights of people with I/DD nationwide in areas such as community integration, housing, education, and criminal justice. The Arc views individual and systemic litigation and amicus briefs as essential tools in ensuring that disability rights laws are meaningfully enforced to the fullest extent of the law in jurisdictions around the country and we view our chapters and volunteer network as important partners in this work. If your chapter has attorneys on staff, on your board, or serving as volunteers who would be interested in learning more about The Arc’s legal advocacy work, please have them fill out this form so we can keep them informed.

We are excited to announce the release of The Arc’s new brand guidelines! The marketing team has been busy creating these visually stunning materials, to offer you ample template options and graphics at your disposal. I want to stress that the logo with the “catalyst” icon is not changing. We remain committed to the passion exuded in the logo that embodies our mission of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That being said, we want you to think of new and exciting ways to use the brand to make an impact and start conversations.

We hope that you use the brand guidelines, not only as a resource on how to use the brand, but to also see ways you can use image, color and shape to create dynamic design. This will help give our brand relevance and truly engage people with our brand. Please make note of the color changes in the guidelines and check out the new and exciting graphic elements.

The new guidelines, along with templates, graphics, and many other materials are located in the Chapter Portal. You must use your log in to retrieve them. All materials are located within the Brand Guidelines & Resources section. You can also find additional resources on the Marketing Templates page. Take some time to visit the marketing pages and explore the links to see the new materials that have been added.

If you have any questions, please email Allen Miller at Branding@TheArc.org. As always, if your chapter has had some really creative marketing pieces, send us an email so we can showcase the great work you are doing!

The goal of every brand is to always remain relevant. At The Arc, we do this with our tireless policy work, programs, and dedication to be being constant advocates for our cause. We also do this with our brand identity. Striking the right tone, look and feel, we convey to people that we are serious, professional and thoughtful. It is with this in mind that we take the leap to the next level with our brand identity. Over the next few weeks we will be rolling out the 2018 updated Brand Guidelines. Included in these will be a few changes in the evolution of our brand.

The first change will be phasing out the Brush Stroke. We realize that your chapter may have this element on multiple media, and we would like to give you till the end of 2018 to have this phased out on print and web materials. The Brush Stroke served us well, but it is time for this supergraphic with so much spirit to retire. But fear not – other design elements will be distributed to take its place. It is with excitement, that we wish it a fond farewell as we look to the future of The Arc’s brand. If you have any questions, please contact Allen Miller at Miller@TheArc.org or Ashley Dupont at Dupont@TheArc.org. We’re always available to help you put your best brand forward!

The National Council of Self Advocates is looking for new members to join us in 2018! Our Council is led by people with disabilities, and only self-advocates are members. Our Council gives advice to The Arc on advocacy, programs, and services. It tells The Arc how it can better support people with disabilities and about issues that matter to people with disabilities.  

The Council meets every three months by phone and has an online email group and Facebook group. Our first call for the year is in March, and all self-advocates are welcome. 

Want to Share This Opportunity at Your Chapter? This flyer has information about the Council, how to join, and our calls for the year.

Questions about the Council? Contact Jenny at Sladen@thearc.org.

February 5^th marked the 25^th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The Arc has been excited to take this opportunity to celebrate what the FMLA means to people with disabilities and their families, and to highlight the need for the next step: a comprehensive, inclusive national program of paid family and medical leave. Join us in marking this important month! Invite your members to share their paid leave stories with The Arc; share Debbi and Josh’s FMLA story on social media, and check out our recent op ed in The Hill.