Outreach Advocacy

“Creating the Connections” :: How To Be Your Own Advocate

HOW DO WE DO THIS?

• call, call, call.
• call back, call back, call back.
• ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.
• network with school staff, case workers, parents, and friends.
• be involved in your plan.
• thank the person you requested information from; send thank you note.
• keep a record of your contacts.
• write letters to individuals/organizations you are requesting information from – be specific in your letter as to what service/information you are seeking. Include name/address/phone number where you can be reached. Thank them for being helpful. Also, include a short paragraph in the beginning of letter telling a little about yourself.
• meet with school counselors to ask questions/get ideas/contacts. Be polite, specific, clear as to what kind of work you want to do.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE

• speaking up for yourself – being polite, specific, understandable and reasonable.
• Practice.

STEPS TO DEVELOPING ADVOCACY SKILLS

• define what you need as opposed to what you want.
• know what your rights are.
• know your responsibilities.
• keep appointments.
• follow through.
• give information honestly
• know the “system” and the procedures
• keep good records.
• ask questions.
• phone calls – follow up.
• meetings – follow up with action plan.
• keep a job log.
• know the key rules and key people.

OTHER TIPS FOR A GOOD SELF-ADVOCATE

• be an active participant in the decision making process.
• set realistic goals for what you need to achieve.
• gather information you need about other solutions and alternatives.
• Listen and speak to the issue.
• be clear about emotional aspects since the way a person feels can affect how their decisions are made.
• have a realistic idea of who you are and what your strengths/weaknesses are.