1. Starting & Running A People First Chapter Kevin Smith Self-Advocate Coordinator People First of WV kevin.smith@peoplefirstwv.org 304-422-3151, ext. 102 1-877-334-6581 Funded by: West Virginia Developmental Disabilities Council

2. 2 In starting and supporting a self- advocacy group, it is important for the members to learn and use a process for working together and getting things done.

3. 3 It is also important for self- advocates to be responsible for teaching others the process, to assume leadership roles, and to be in control of the goals that the group develops by working together.

4. 4 During all of this, the self-advocacy group must be able to include people with a wide range of disabilities so that everyone can participate and be a valued group member.

5. 5 Should We or Shouldn’t We?  Make sure everyone knows what People First is Handouts & discussion on Self- Advocacy “Is there a need for a self- advocacy group? “Why would people with disabilities want to get involved?”

6. 6 Should We or Shouldn’t We?  Find out how other People First groups work and learn from them Call or write other groups Visit other groups or invite them to visit you Ask other groups to send you information Decide what works and what doesn’t work for your group

7. 7 Successful People First Group: First Steps  Identify group support Volunteer or paid advisor? Agency staff?  Contact People First of WV Technical Assistance Chapter Start-up Handbook Trainings for Advisors and Officers Sample Flyers and Promotional items

8. 8 Successful People First Group: Next Steps  Set up an organizing committee Outline roles & responsibilities of organizers Review role of the advisor/helper Identify co-sponsors who can help you get started Determine who will be in charge until elections are held

9. 9 Successful People First Group: The Advisor  Make sure the members vote to approve the advisor and make sure the advisor knows what they are supposed to do. It helps if the advisor has some experience helping people organize into groups and knows and respects people with developmentally disabilities.

10. 10 Successful People First Group: The Advisor  Chapter members should train the advisor and make up a contract on what the advisor is suppose to do. The advisor and the members should sign the contract. If problems come up members should always communicate directly with the advisor and try and work it out. Advisors are people too and should be given a chance to learn, grow and change. 

11. 11 Successful People First Group: Next Steps  Arrange the details of organization When and where to meet: Accessibility Publicity: letting people know when, where, and why Transportation Refreshments

12. 12 Successful People First Group: Group Detail - Hints Find an accessible place to meet that is close to bus lines and is not where the members live or work. Make sure the day and time you meet is good for everyone and that it is not when people are already involved in other things. Make up a “flyer” or meeting notice and put these up in group homes, workshops and other places. Put the phone number of someone to call for more information on the flyer.

13. 13 Successful People First Group: Next Steps  Decide on rules for how the group members will work together Meeting rules By-laws Membership Dues Election of officers Everyone is an equal member How will the meeting topics be determined?

14. 14 Successful People First Group: Election of Officers - Hints  Don’t elect officers for two or three meetings. Gives everyone a chance to speak and get to know the other members before you vote. When you do elect officers, have the people running for office give a speech Put pictures of the people who are running for office on the ballot box This makes it easier for people to decide who to vote for.

15. 15 Successful People First Group: Meeting Rules - Hints  Get everyone involved in the group Make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak and participate during the meeting. Is important to share power so that everyone feels like an important and equal member  Use easy to understand words and pictures during the meetings Make sure everyone understands what is going on during the meetings Make sure everyone understands what is being voted on before you vote on things

16. 16 Successful People First Group: Meeting Rules - Hints  As a group, make rules for how the group will work. Examples of rules include: Only one person speaks at a time, how to vote to decide on things, etc  Keep members interested and wanting to take part Make the discussion in the meetings real - meaning that the discussions must be about things that are important to the members Each group has to decide what is real and important to them

17. 17 Successful People First Group: Meeting Rules - Hints  End of the meeting Always thank everyone for coming and make sure they know when the next meeting is before you adjourn Hand out calendars so everyone will know when the next meeting is

18. 18 Successful People First Group: Team Spirit  Develop a “team spirit” Make sure there is a place and something for everyone at the meetings. Everyone should feel like they are an important part of the group Everyone should agree on what the group is about All members should feel that people listen to what they have to say A working friendship between the members should be developed

19. 19 Successful People First Group: Have Fun!  Have FUN! Don’t make the meetings all “hard work.” Go out and eat together, go on a camping trip together, do fun things together Don’t let the meetings get boring Have refreshments and a “social time” at the end of the meetings

20. 20 Successful People First Group: Setting Goals  Decide on goals and issues for the group Every group needs goals so everyone will know what the meetings are all about and what the group is trying to do Important for members to decide on the goals for the group  Set realistic goals for your group. It’s important for your group to have success right at the very beginning so everyone will feel good about the group and themselves

21. 21 Successful People First Group: Reaching Goals  Decide how to reach the goals Small groups – ask for volunteers to complete specific tasks Larger groups - Set up some committees with more than one person Committees give everyone a chance to have responsibilities and feel like an important part of the group.  Evaluate how well the group is doing and make changes where needed

22. 22 Successful People First Group: Growing the Group  Develop connections/links and “allies” between the group and the community to increase the presence and participation of the group and group members in community life and decision making  Develop a process to decide how the group will change and expand over time (coalitions, state organization, etc.).  Talk with your friends about what self advocacy is and encourage them to meet with your group.

23. 23 Successful People First Group: Problem Solving  All groups have “ups” and “downs” and will have problems at times.  One of the most important things to keep a group going over time is to face problems head on.  Problems don’t just go away on their own—you have to face them and try to work them out  When your group has problems, remember to give people a chance to grow and change

24. 24 Successful People First Group: Problem Solving  Most people have never had the experience of being part of a self- advocacy group where they get to make the decisions and solve problems on their own.  Sometimes, it is hard to be a self- advocate, and people need time and understanding to work out problems and grow as a group.

25. 25 Successful People First Group: It’s Important to Work Together Starting and supporting a successful self-advocacy group is a process that takes lots of careful planning and thinking. Members and advisors must work together to establish a strong foundation so the group will continue to grow stronger.