Advocacy & Leadership Training

Advocacy is at the core of our mission statement.  At The Arc, we work to promote the rights of and opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to be fully included in our diverse communities, and teach them to be advocates as well.  We value and support self-determination, independence and the right to choose.  Here are some examples of how we offer this:

Advocating for Change Together (ACT) 

The purpose of the ACT program is to educate participants about service systems; train people in advocacy; develop capacity throughout the state; and develop new leadership in the disability movement. ACT not only provides knowledge, but it empowers people individually and collectively to continue the movement for disability rights, to work towards creating an inclusive society and a higher quality of life for all people.

Through ACT, not only do the participants expand their knowledge of service systems, advocacy and leadership, they also develop confidence, awareness, dreams, new goals, and importantly, new friendships and support systems. The ACT program benefits not only the participants, but their families, their friends, and the larger community.  The 2009/2010 ACT class included 17 individuals with disabilities and family members from King County.

King County Partnership Supporting Advocacy (KCPSA)

The mission of KCPSA is to provide an opportunity for individuals and organizations to network, share resources, and collaborate in assisting advocates with disabilities to develop a voice in King County and deliver that message, and to influence systems.

Advocacy Learning Group

This casual and informal group is for anyone interested in learning about the legislative process and bills under consideration.  Meetings are on Tuesdays during Advocacy Days which runs from January—April.  Topics include:

• Discussions of a particular advocacy skill such as making an office visit or setting up a meeting
• Discussion of previous trip to Olympia
• Review issue of the day at the upcoming Advocacy Day
• Other issues for legislative visits for the current week
• Role playing

For Information, Please Contact

Mary Jo Magruder, Advocacy Manager
206-829-7010
mjmagruder@arcofkingcounty.org