It's strange, but wherever I take my eyes, they always see things from my point of view." - © Ashleigh Brilliant, www.ashleighbrilliant.com

Let's start with your story. You or your family have encountered dozens of incidents that made you or those around you say, "Something has to be done." Ask yourself:

• What events made you say "Enough!"?
• What current situation most negatively affects you and/or your family?
• What makes you say, "That doesn't sound right or legal?"

To narrow many stories down to one:

• Think about emotions. We remember stories that make us feel something - anger, joy, frustration, or sadness. That's because emotion generally stays with us longer than cold facts.
  
  
• Decide what you need a legislator to know. If you need more assistance from a personal care attendant, think about how a PCA will help you live more productively. What difficulties and challenges do you face that others don't?

Not quite sure what elements are in a good story? Check out Tips and Tools included in this section for some ideas.

Have you chosen a situation? Great! Now you're ready to begin developing it into a story.