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Watch City Self Advocates

 

 

Watch City Self Advocates

 

Watch City Self Advocates are members of GWArc’s Day and Employment Programs who join together to learn how to make and how to influence better choices in their lives. Membership is voluntary but those who join enjoy and learn from activities at their monthly meetings as well as attendance at conferences and legislative advocacy activities. The group is led by an elected President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers are nominated and elected by the members for one-year terms.


Click here to view the Watch City Self Advocates Public Service Announcement on Operation American Soldier, now airing on The Waltham Channel, WCAC-TV.

Membership Activities:

The members set annual goals that include becoming better self advocates for themselves and all persons with disabilities. At the group’s meetings, members may listen to a speaker on an important topic, may work on their “giving back” goal or may work on fund raising activities.

Working with GWArc on legislative advocacy events is also important. Members may take trips to the State House to attend rallies and to speak to the Governor and their Legislators. They may also attend an annually planned local event.

Meeting Schedule:

Monthly meetings are held from 3:45 to 5:45 PM on a Thursday at a GWArc facility. Members pay monthly dues. After finishing their business meeting, the Watch City Self Advocates socialize while having a bite to eat. Dues cover a light dinner and other costs Watch City Self Advocates Support.

To Become A New Member:

New members are welcome at any time. The application is simple to complete. Once completed, you will be invited to the group’s next meeting. Transportation to the meeting may be able to be arranged for you. However, you must arrange for transportation home from the meeting. All these details will be worked out with you when you complete an application and become a member.

Contact Anna Thorpe at athorpe@gwarc.org for more membership details or a membership application.

FY’ 2011 Meeting Dates and Events:

Monthly Meeting Dates:7/7/11; 8/4/11; 9/1/11; 10/6/11; 11/311; 12/1/11; 1/5/12; 2/2/12; 3/1/12; 4/5/12; 5/3/12 and 6/7/12
MASS Annual Conference:11/19/11

       

People First Language

 Watch City Self Advocates ask you to please use people-first language. People-first language is a respectful way to speak about individuals with disabilities. It makes sure that individuals with disabilities and their contributions to their communities are valued and respected. After all, words hurt. Words, also, may not give an accurate picture of a person’s skills and abilities.

In short, people with disabilities would prefer to be known as a person first. For example, say: “He is a person with a developmental disability.” or “She is a person with epilepsy.” Each time the person is put before the disability.

Members of Watch City Self Advocates said:

“Accept us for who we are.”
“All people are different.”
“Don’t make fun of others.”
“We don’t want to feel the pain.”

 Now, hopefully, you understand how important using people-first language is to the members of Watch City Self Advocates and to other people with disabilities.

 

Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS)

 Watch City Self Advocates participate in MASS activities. Together we believe:

  • Everyone has the same rights. Rights and responsibilities go together.
  • Everyone should be treated equally.
  • People should have the same opportunities to make their own decisions and choices.
  • People should have the support they need.
  • Everyone is important.
  • We speak out for ourselves and each other.
  • We stand by each other and make things better in our lives.