Chapter 6: Becoming Part of a Self-Advocacy Group

 What is a vision?  A picture that shows what the group is, where the group or a person wants to go.  It is the “Big Picture”  Visions create sparks to EXCITE to people to move FORWARD:

 Personal Vision: Imagine that you can achieve the things you want in life.  What would that look like to you?  What words would you use? Or pictures?  Why do you want to do these things?

 With a partner, describe your personal VISION.  What kind of person do you want to be? Describe the qualities you will have as this person.

 What things would you like to own?  What things would you like to learn or do?  What would you like your community to look like?  What would be your ideal living situation?

It makes you feel good. It gives you a clearer picture of where you would like to go.

 We have looked at your personal vision, now let’s take it a step further…  When we are a part of a group, we bring our vision to it. It is apart of the greater whole called a shared vision.

 A group is like a wheel.  All the members are spokes.  When we put all the spokes together, we get a functioning wheel.

 We can then move forward toward a common goal.  In order to achieve goals you must decide as a group what is most important.  Leaders are responsible for listening to all members and putting the SHARED VISION first.

 Become more involved in your local self- advocacy groups such as People First.  Be a good role model in your community.  There is power in numbers!  Speak up!