As the national grassroots movement known as REV UP marks a decade of driving political power within the disability community, state-level leaders across the country are reflecting on years of persistent advocacy, systemic change, and community mobilization. Founded in Texas in 2016 by grassroots activists with the clear mission to "Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!", REV UP has evolved from a regional initiative into a powerful, nationwide force. Today, it connects state-based coalitions of disability organizations, grassroots leaders, and community members, all working toward a shared goal: expanding access to the ballot box and strengthening disabled representation in American democracy.
At the heart of this national movement in the Upper Midwest is Gene Martinez, Coalition Leader of REV UP Minnesota and Legislative Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc Minnesota. Martinez’s extensive journey in disability advocacy began decades ago in 1990, laying the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to civic participation. When the REV UP movement emerged nationally, Martinez was immediately drawn to its framework, recognizing it as a vital vehicle for connecting with and learning from fellow disability advocates across the United States.
The story of REV UP Minnesota itself reflects the rapid momentum of the broader national network. Formed in 2018, the state coalition started humbly as a tight-knit group of just eight members. Driven by a deep commitment to community and a collective mission, it quickly blossomed into a robust statewide network encompassing more than 30 organizations. By uniting a diverse array of groups, REV UP MN successfully expanded its footprint, influence, and impact across the entire state of Minnesota.
Since its earliest days, the coalition has maintained a laser focus on engaging directly with the political process. Rather than treating civic participation as a passive or occasional act, REV UP MN has consistently worked to bridge the gap between voters and the systems that govern them. This proactive approach has included developing detailed candidate questionnaires for state and congressional races, organizing direct outreach to voters, and fostering meaningful, working relationships with elected officials and public administrators.
From its inception, REV UP MN has firmly championed the principle that disabled voters are far more than mere participants in a democratic society—they are a dynamic, pivotal force capable of shaping elections and policy alike.
"Civic engagement is about involving community members and helping them use their power to enact change," Martinez said, capturing the ethos of the organization. "REV UP is all about people using their power."
This localized state work has been continually reinforced by the broader REV UP national network, which fosters shared learning, mutual aid, and powerful solidarity across state lines. Even when faced with challenging political landscapes or restrictive voting laws in other regions, Martinez notes that the resilience of organizers elsewhere serves as a powerful source of inspiration.
"I have so much admiration for the people in Georgia and Texas who do not always have the most supportive state laws on their side, but yet they continue to organize, they continue to figure out new ways to engage with people," Martinez said.
In Minnesota, REV UP MN has leveraged this spirit of innovation to build cooperative partnerships with state leaders. The coalition has actively participated in state-led disability advisory committees and organized public forums that connect voters directly with election officials. Through these efforts, REV UP MN has cultivated strong working relationships with key leaders, including Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, demonstrating how grassroots advocacy and government administration can collaborate to empower the disability vote.
When the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly altered the landscape of public organizing and civic participation, REV UP MN adapted rapidly, expanding its reach through digital organizing strategies. To ensure that disabled voters remained informed and engaged during a period of intense uncertainty and public health challenges, the coalition hosted multiple virtual candidate forums. This remarkable persistence and perseverance ultimately yielded lasting recognition. In 2025, REV UP MN’s dedication to civic education and accessibility was honored with the prestigious Medallion Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State, cementing the coalition’s role as a national leader within the disability community.
The cumulative impact of these organizing efforts has translated directly into tangible, structural improvements in election accessibility throughout Minnesota. Over the years of sustained advocacy, the state has implemented several critical reforms designed to eliminate systemic barriers faced by disabled voters. These advancements include expanding accessible absentee ballots specifically tailored for voters with print disabilities, establishing permanent absentee voting lists to streamline participation, and implementing automatic voter registration through state driver’s license and identification systems. Together, these policy changes have fundamentally lowered the hurdles to voting for residents across the state, making the electoral process significantly more inclusive.
Despite these meaningful victories, ongoing challenges remain, particularly regarding physical transportation and physical access to neighborhood polling places. To ensure that every eligible citizen can cast a ballot without undue hardship, REV UP MN continues to advocate for a diverse array of voting options. By emphasizing choice—whether a voter prefers casting a ballot safely by mail, participating in early voting periods, or showing up in person on Election Day—the coalition strives to accommodate the unique needs of every community member.
Ultimately, the core message of REV UP MN remains rooted in the collective strength of the disability community and the fundamental principle of self-determination: nothing about us, without us. When disabled voters unite to organize, speak out, and demand accountability, their political influence becomes impossible to ignore.
"Let them know how big the disability community really is… we are here, and we are important to the community," Martinez said.
For new and emerging leaders stepping into the realm of civic engagement and advocacy, Martinez draws upon his decades of grassroots experience to offer foundational guidance.
"Building solidarity within and outside the disability community is critical," he noted, emphasizing that lasting political and social transformation requires broad coalitions and enduring partnerships.
The ongoing journey of REV UP Minnesota stands as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when disabled individuals unite with a shared purpose. By organizing at the grassroots level, building constructive relationships with public officials, and championing systemic accessibility, they continue to transform the political landscape and help shape a truly inclusive and accessible democracy.
