Government Affairs / Advocacy Events

WNYIL’s Department of Government Affairs hosts and participates in events throughout the year to keep consumers informed about our work to advocate on their behalf.

Meet the Candidates

As part of its annual advocacy efforts, WNYIL hosts three Meet the Candidates events in the early Fall to allow members of the disability community an opportunity to meet and ask questions of candidates for elected office. The events are held at the Independent Living Center of Erie County, Independent Living of Niagara County and Independent Living of the Genesee Region with candidates in attendance for their respective areas.

Our 2025 Meet the Candidates events are scheduled for:

Erie County: Wednesday, October 15 from 2-4:30pm at the Job Club at WNY Independent Living, 3108 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14204
Genesee Region: Tuesday, October 21 from 11am-1pm at Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020
Niagara County: Wednesday, October 22 from 1-4pm at Independent Living of Niagara County, 746 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14301

To attend any of the events in person or virtually via Zoom, please contact Christine at 716-836-0822, ext. 146 to register.

All events will also be live streamed on WNYIL’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
WNYIL Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/WNYIL
WNYIL YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/WNYIL

Policymaker’s Breakfast

Organized by Mental Health Peer Connection, the annual Policymaker’s Breakfast offers attendees an opportunity for networking, discussion, and collaboration. This event features a guest speaker, as well as opportunities to share your insights, learn from others, and help shape the future of mental health policy.

Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony

WNYIL’s Policy Team works with the City of Buffalo and Erie County, along with other disability rights organizations, for a ceremony to raise the Disability Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. The Flag Raising takes place annually in July in celebration of Disability Pride Month.