This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bosma, bring together a wealth of insight and passion to the discussion.   At the heart of this episode lies the upcoming Public Policy Forum at the Capitol, where BVI advocates will champion the “1% Ask” to increase Department of Defense spending on AbilityOne® Program products and services.   Listen in this week as both Jeff and Luke discuss the transformative potential of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of amplifying personal narratives alongside data-driven advocacy. Their insights underscore the power of persistence, specificity in requests, and the cultivation of meaningful relationships in navigating the complex landscape of policymaking.   For full transcript and show notes, please visit: https://heardandempowered.org/26