A Look at Advocacy

What is self-advocacy?

Self-advocacy is learning how to speak up for yourself, and its learning self-confidence. It is learning that as you grow, become more mature, and learn to choose what you want in your life that with all the perks of adulthood there are also responsibilities. It is learning how to accept those responsibilities in a very mature and respectful way.

Why is it important to advocate with others?

If someone was contemplating whether or not to get involved with an advocacy group, I would encourage them to make their own decision. I would give them as much information that I could so that they could make an informed decision on what is right for their life. I believe that networking with like-minded people is something that all of us need to do. It helps us grow, and it gives us confidence. I think that the sense of belonging that you get from being in a self-advocacy group and knowing that what you think really does matter is very powerful.

Local self-advocates weigh in on the reason that they advocate:

Because I want what everyone else wants: To be happy, to have a good life, to have family and friends

I advocate because I like where I am living at

Because I like doing things that are fun

I am a big supporter of myself, and everyone should have a voice

Because I like to remain a professional zoologist

I hang out with my friends and do some fun stuff with them on Fridays

I care about the community

It means you work it out and be thankful

Because I love my group

Because I like helping people, and I want to help people understand what an advocate is and what it means

Because we want to be treated like everyone else

Because we like to make our own goals

Want to know more?

For more information or for questions about self-advocate groups or school age advocacy, please contact the Community Connections Specialist by phone at 330.339.9769 or by email at csapp@tuscbdd.org.

For additional information regarding Special Olympics Input Council, please email the local coordinator at tuscarawascountyspecialolympic@gmail.com.

For more information on FANS Network Allies Outreach (advocacy), please email fans@tuscbdd.org or call 330.339.3199.

Chris Sapp Tue, Nov 27th, 2018