How Are You Networked in Your State?
[SARN Memo for August 19, 2009]
When people work together, they can do more than they could have done alone. That’s the key to the self-advocacy movement.
It’s the same with groups. When groups work together with other groups, they can do more than any one group alone.
Are self-advocacy groups working together in your state? Do you have a state conference? Do you have a statewide network? How does this coalition work? What has it achieved?
Please respond. Let’s share ideas between states.
Respond to this memo!1. Group Work: What’s Up in Your State?
Please respond to this e-mail. Let’s share ideas between states. We can learn from each other’s successes.
Next time your group gets together, talk about how groups can work with other groups. Read the above e-mail aloud. Then discuss what is happening in your state—how self-advocacy groups are working with other self-advocacy groups (a state conference, a state network, political rallies, within your city, etc).
If no one in your group knows, invite someone to your meeting who does know. When that person comes to your meeting, choose one or two of your members to interview him or her. Ask your guest about how self-advocacy groups are working together in your state. Use the questions from this e-mail, as well as any others you have.
As you go, have someone make a list of what you come up with. Choose someone to write who isn’t the usual recorder. Support someone new to write down your ideas. Then send your list to SARN. [Click “Respond to this memo.”] We’ll post it. Thanks.
2. Resource
Leading from the Middle
Everyone can play a role in leading your group. Here’s a workshop to think about how this would be true for your group.
Today’s Trivia Question:
This week, Eunice Kennedy Shriver died. She was best known for her work with:
- Arc
- Special Olympics
- the ADA
- Inclusion International
(The answer will be published in the next Memo.)
Answer to August 5th Trivia Question: False
Question was: True or false: Clocks rotate clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Do you have a trivia item you’d like to submit?
Create a trivia question and we will review your question for possible use.
Your trivia question:
The correct answer:
Would you like your name to appear as the author of the trivia question? If yes, give us your name and where you are from.
Reader Responses
Hi, we have a consumer advisory committee for our self-advocates. For over 7 years, statewide, we had action teams to brain-storm with systems change, regionally. Budget cuts eliminate our action teams, but didn’t eliminate our passion to create change. In Pennsylvania, we have a bi-annual statewide independent living conference.
Yesterday, our self-advocacy group sponsored a march to city hall; the City presented us a proclamation-regarding the 19th Anniversary of the ADA. The City is now willing to sit down with us to discuss much needed curb-cuts.
Our consumer advisory committee is consumer controlled, with a Chair-person and Secretary, all can rotate yearly. We work with our self-advocates setting goals in the beginning of the year.
Thank you.
Don Zeigler, Peer Counselor
Abilities in Motion
Reading, PA 19601