As Reported by Susan Weiss, Statewide Advisor

This year’s work to grow People First Chapters in the state have been very successful. Although many of the chapters are in the beginning stages, we have set the groundwork to further develop and strengthen the groups.

This year we have been able to provide a more in-depth level of support to chapters.  Several chapters have indicated that strategic planning would be highly effective, and we have seen this borne out in the several areas where this has been accomplished. For example, In Roswell the State-wide Advisor’s help them to create a vision of intent and mission statement and identified areas they wanted to be of service to their community. We are in the process of developing a curriculum to assist other chapters in this effort.

An exciting development that has occurred over this last year has been the expertise that chapters have developed. Gallup’s chapter has been very successful in the area of fundraising.  Through an idea that was generated by one of their advisors, the group began a holiday fundraiser that was so successful, that they have decided to pursue it though out the year. By selling cedar bundles to the local community, they have tapped in a cultural need of cedar for ceremonies, and have generated funds as well as community involvement and outreach. It is our hope that they will be able to work with other chapters statewide to develop skills in fundraising. Peer-to-Peer support can be a very useful strategy for building a healthy statewide People network.

The regional conferences this year were reasonably successful. Turnouts ranged from 20 people to 80 people, and in all areas, the information was well received. Groups offered such topics as: Civil Rights and the Disability Rights Movement, Banking/ Financial Responsibility, Effective Communication for Successful Team Advocacy, Success Stories on Inclusion. In many ways, it was a very useful process for folks to be engaged in, with individuals taking various roles in the planning, as well as formulating the program content.

In speaking to chapters though out the state, we have looked at areas that they want to pursue, as well as areas that they are looking for support in.

1.  Access to information on the activities of other local and national groups.

Web site development became one of the outcomes that were promoted through the last contract. Efforts to find an underwriter were not successful. (As a side note, the Arc of New Mexico is re-developing their web site, and will be providing a People First Portal). The hope is that this will be up and running by September, with many ideas generated by my discussions with individuals statewide.

2.  Notice and support to attend trainings and conferences.

This brings up the need to better inform groups on the best ways to fund-raise, as well as utilizing technology such as the upcoming Arc web site, and e-mail to be better informed. For some folks, they are not computer literate, and this could be something that groups can get assistance in. Self- Advocate Jon Peterson has offered to provide computer classes to advocates throughout the state. (He served as a computer teacher through the Center for Developmental Disability’s “No Walls” classes.)

3. Communication/Recruitment Strategies

Groups are always looking at ways to expand. This has caused us to look at strategies to do so, but to also review what their mission is, and how they operate. This writer has worked with groups to develop brochures, which serve as an excellent source of information. It also serves as a good way to get the group to figure out who they are. The communication issue is a little bit more complicated, as not everyone has the tools at hand to convey what they want to express, without being off-putting, etc. Individuals have indicated that they would like to work on a curriculum or resource to better educate their peers.

Trainers

At present, there are eight Self-Advocate Trainers, who are based at the Metro Office. Trainers have been very active in their roles, with a very high attendance record.  Their participation has mostly been geared towards sharing their personal experiences with service providers, which has had a great impact on many of the support staff that attends these trainings.  This component of the contract has been seen as being very successful, with positive feedback from participants of the trainings, as well as from the LTSD staff. It appears that the goal is enlarge the pool of trainers, through other LTSD regional offices.

Self-Advocacy Advisory Council - (SAAC)

The SAAC has provided a window to the legislative process, which goes both ways. The commitment to social change by the members, as well as the information they provide is invaluable. We have a core of individuals who have been involved from the inception of the committee, as well as seeing the need to bring in “new blood”, as people begin to pursue other options in their lives. The direction of the SAAC appears to be an attempt to open the process up to other individuals in the larger community, with the group voting on holding the meetings in different parts of the state.

National Exposure

The group’s recent participation at the National Self-Advocacy Conference was a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of the group. The SAAC contingent was fairly unique organization to many of the people we encountered. It is a very progressive body, and created a level of interest of both advocate and providers. The impact of the varied components of this contract should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, the availability and participation of Self-Advocates from throughout our state in the various areas of this contract is a vital and worthwhile process. For those individuals who have experienced the transformative nature of self-advocacy, and thus begin to see this as their career choice, it is invaluable. It offers a much-needed avenue to employment possibilities for many people, who may never have had the opportunity otherwise. It provides an avenue for developing skills in many areas. There are many opportunities for growth on all levels, as well as developing critical thinking and problem solving skills. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to next year’s opportunities and goals.