1. Advocacy for AS/HFA/PDD Adults Snapshots of Our Potential

2. For More Information: E-Mail: Wholphin48@Hotmail.com

3. Why Advocacy?

4. Because some of the things my peers do….. that drive you crazy, are actually advantages in advocacy!!!

5. Examples: My peers often have a strong sense of fairness, rules etc. My peers pay lots of attention to detail. My peers perseverate. In Advocacy, these are VIRTUES.

6. More Reasons….. Many major advocacy organizations for my peerage EXCLUDE us from their boards of directors. ( with some happy exceptions like GRASP, AANE, MAAP and ASA ) Most national and state developmental disability councils and other advocacy groups don’t include my peerage in their leadership.

7. The Result??? My peers are eternally subject to legislation and denial of appropriate services without representation.

8. So, we need a lot more advocates But who can do this? And Where?

9. Not all of my peers will want to be consumer advocates… If nothing else, VOTE!!! Those who want to be advocates are most effective as advocates in anything that inspires their passion!!

10. Examples….. Political parties, campaigns, issue caucuses Organizations like Sierra Club, NRA, ACLU, etc. ASD related organizations

11. More Examples….. You can get paid to register people to vote or sign for ballot initiatives Some campaigns even pay people to walk precincts and hand out literature. Other campaigns actually pay people to call on the phone, conduct polls or raise money.

12. How does one be an effective advocate? 1. Find appropriate interest group. 2. Learn to listen and share interest. 3. Learn to see the “Big Picture.” 4. Learn to work in group projects. 5. Learn to communicate ( like how to write letter to a newspaper, how to testify at a public hearing)

13. Example of Skill to learn: How to write letter to a newspaper… 1. State subject clearly. 2. Keep it one page long. 3. Focus on strongest point. 4. Give 1-3 reasons for your view and quit while you are ahead. 5. Thank editor for your time, offer more information at your Phone#, address…

14. Specialized Training for Advocates Great Example: Partners in Policymaking, run by Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (Available in most states) Maybe your state has comparable programs

15. Summary of this Great Talk: We need more advocates in my peerage. My peers can become great advocates! They are best in following their hearts when deciding where to advocate. Advocacy teaches skills that help in other lifespan areas. Training is available for advocacy. The AS/HFA/PDD Advocate Marines need a few more good men/women etc.