Discovering the power of unity
The newly appointed BC People First Board celebrates at their conference.
A hundred men and women gathered in Burnaby from June 17 to 19 to share and learn together. The 2010 Power in Unity conference, supported by CLBC, was organized by the BC People First Steering Committee for people who have been labeled with a disability. The result of the two-day conference was the resurgence of a powerful voice and a strong sense of unity across the province.
People First is a national grassroots movement by and for people with disabilities, but the BC chapter has been dormant for several years. The steering committee hosted the conference to revive the organization and elect an official board of directors. In addition to the conference, the group has recently obtained grants and funding to resume its mission to “support people who have been labeled to speak for themselves and help each other, making sure what they say is heard.”
Self-advocacy groups, agency representatives, and independent individuals attended to have their voices heard. On the first day, workshops explored how to ensure inclusion, close institutions, share stories, engage youth, and find group advisors. Large group sessions were a chance to build consensus and hear about the rights of people with disabilities. On the second day, a special workshop made possible by the BC Association for Community Living educated participants on the “Past, Present and Future” of People First. An Annual General Meeting at the end of the two-day conference resulted in the election of a board of directors for the provincial organization.
Also included in the event was an evening screening of the Freedom Tour Film at UBC’s Robson Square. This National Film Board documentary is the story of the fight for the rights of all people with intellectual disabilities to live in community.
In addition to support from CLBC, the conference was also made possible by the BC Association for Community Living, People First of Canada, Spectrum Society for Community Living, Community Living Society and the Burnaby Association for Community Living.
The event was well received by delegates. “This conference”, said one participant “was very beneficial and helpful for all self-advocates who are insecure about their rights and their lives. We all need to be strong with our voices, have faith and be willing to share our stories. I’ve enjoyed the past two days and am proud to be a member of People First.”
