Help us pass Summit DD’s replacement levy, Issue 17, on November 7th by becoming a social media ambassador! Don’t worry, it’s super easy and we’ve mapped out five easy ways you can help spread the word to your Facebook friends, family, and coworkers! Read More ›
Archives by Month: July 2023
Voting on Election Day
It’s easy to vote YES for Summit DD’s Replacement Levy. There are many ways to support Summit DD this November.
- Make sure you are registered to vote by October 10th.
- Skip the lines and vote by mail or in-person from October 11th through November 6th.
- It’s still election day and you have not yet cast your vote? Your vote can still empower people of all abilities. Find your polling location. Get to the polls between 6:30 am and 7:30 pm. Vote YES for Summit DD. Your vote empowers people of ALL abilities.
Find out the many ways you can get involved in the campaign.
How Your Vote Empowers People of All Abilities
Summit DD’s operating levy makes up more than 80% of the Agency’s revenue. That levy is set to expire on December 31, 2024. To ensure that more than 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities continue to receive vital services to ensure their health, safety and ability to live a good life, Summit DD will be putting forth a replacement levy on the November 7, 2023 ballot. This replacement levy will fund essential services and supports from 2025–2030 and will cost homeowners $158 a year per $100,000 of appraised value. Summit DD has not experienced an increase in revenue since 2007 and in that time has increased the number of children and adults served by 30%! A replacement levy will cost homeowners just $3.58 more per month per $100,000 appraised value. This funding will allow Summit DD to support children and adults currently receiving services, along with the expected growth over the next six years.
The voters have asked for a simple explanation of where their money goes. Simply put, your money empowers people of all abilities. You can see how in the infographic below.
Write a Letter to the Editor
A letter to the editor is a great way to tell your story about why the passage of Issue 17 is critical to the community. The letter to editor section is one of the most widely read parts of a newspaper, both in print and online, and can help raise awareness of the importance of Issue 17 passing in order to continue vital services to our community. The most important aspects of a letter to the editor are: 1) It be short, usually under 150 words; 2) it tells a personal story, in this case how Summit DD has helped you; and 3) It ends with an action, or asking people to vote yes on Issue 17.
You can submit your letter to the editor using the submission guidelines outlined below for each media outlet. We’ve assembled some sample letter to editors to get you started!
It’s that easy! And, it’s that essential to helping us pass this critical levy. Thank you for your support!
Sample Letters
Early Intervention Parent | Adult Parent | Provider Agency | General Public
Akron Beacon Journal
Should bear author’s full signature, faxed letters should also contain signature. All letters must have the author’s address and daytime telephone number. All letters are subject to editing. Authors may have only one letter published in a 30-day time period.
Mail: Voice of the People, Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron OH 44309-0640
Email
vo*@th**************.com
FAX: 330-996-3520
Leader Publications
Letters should be signed and include an address and daytime phone number. No more than 500 words, letters are subject to editing. No anonymous letters will be accepted.
Mail: West Side Leader/South Side Leader, 3075 Smith Road, Suite 204, Akron, OH 44333.
Email:
ed****@ak***.com
FAX: 330-665-9590
Submit online: https://www.akron.com/submit-letter-to-the-editor/
Hudson Hub Times
Letters must include signature, address and daytime telephone number (will not be published) and be received by noon Thursday for consideration in the Sunday edition. No more than 300 words. Must be submitted no later than October 26, 2023.
Email:
hu************@re*******.com
Marvin’s Story
Meet Marvin. In 1964, he was set to graduate from Woodridge High School. However, after some confusion on a few class credits, he had to stay another year. Throughout his schooling, Marvin experienced unbearable bullying from fellow classmates. And in his final school year, it became too much to bear. So sadly, Marvin never received his diploma. Read More ›
120 Young Adults Benefit From Locally Funded Jobs Program
Did you know that Summit DD’s Summer Youth Work Experience and Career Exploration Program is just one of the many initiatives funded by local tax dollars provided by Summit County residents? Because of you, 120 young adults with developmental disabilities gained valuable work experience this summer! Read More ›
