In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, CLBC provided funding to B.C. self-advocacy groups as a way to invest in and advance the leadership of the people it serves. The funding was provided through the Self-Advocates Leading Connection Grant and used by and for people with developmental disabilities to reduce isolation and strengthen social connection during the pandemic. Today, these groups are at the forefront of social change and continue to lead connection and leadership opportunities across the province. Three of the groups share their stories here.
Self-Advocates of the Rockies (SAOR)
Leaders of the Self-Advocates of the Rockies (SAOR) Group Society wear their shirts from the Leaping Into Our Voice Conference, one of the many events and activities they hosted.
Since the week before Christmas in December 2020, we the leaders of the SAOR Group Society have worked hard to build our leadership skills and make new connections with other advocates around B.C. We learned how to effectively communicate, delegate, organize, coordinate and plan.
We are proud of both the big events and weekly connection activities we hosted. These included a health conference, a talent show, and the Leaping Into Our Voice conference that encouraged everyone to find their voice. Most popular was Ray’s Music Night, a weekly online event attracting participants from all over the world.
A condition of this grant was for our group to become its own society. So, on July 28, 2021, the Self-Advocates of the Rockies became the Self-Advocates of the Rockies Group Society. This was one of the biggest achievements for us as group. Continuing on our successful journey, we learned how to make leader-style decisions on important issues that would better our society in the long run.
Another success we had from this grant was the opportunity to produce a commercial video with other advocates within our society. The video promotes self-advocacy and rights in our region and has become an amazing tool and a great keepsake for us.
Our hard work and learning as leaders came last year when we taught a course on being assertive and letting your voice be heard to three different groups of advocates, as well as direct support professionals.
We would like to share individually what we’ve learned:
“I learned how to run a non-profit society. I feel that my leadership with this process has grown these last four years.” – Jonathan Righton
“I learned how to process my ideas and carry them out, mainly through the events I hosted.” – Kimberly Earl
“I learned that time and consistency matter. I also received consistent support to deliver the work I provided in my two groups.” – Raymond Edinger
“I was very passionate when I gave my workshops through this grant. I used my leadership and learned to help doing the payroll for this grant.” – Sheila Neidig
Learn more about Self-Advocates of the Rockies (SAOR) by visiting their Facebook page here.
British Columbia Self-Advocate Leadership Network Society (BCSALN)
BCSALN is a network that brings together self-advocate leaders from local and provincial organizations to create positive change. Their vision is: “Together as one, community for all, equal people, learning from history.”
The Connection Grant was used by BCSALN to host inclusive events and promote the self-advocacy movement. Some events included: a happy hour with various speakers; a movie night screening of Freedom Tour; and a community fair celebrating community inclusion in partnership with CLBC’ s Community Councils.
“The community fair was a fantastic experience. It was attended by members of the legislature and the event featured a booth from the Human Rights Commissioner. It was more than just a gathering; it was a demonstration of our vibrant community coming together,” says Michael McLellan, President and Co-founder of BCSALN.
Michael also emphasized that these events are essential as they help remind self-advocates and individuals served by CLBC that they are part of a larger community and have support.
BCSALN’s biggest takeaway from the Connection Grant was learning the importance of marketing, promoting, and figuring out how to bring awareness of opportunities to those in remote communities.
BCSALN members also recently completed a facilitation course to continue learning how to improve the ways they facilitate events.
Members of the British Columbia Self-Advocate Leadership Network Society (BCSALN) created opportunities for social connection and engagement to help support people feeling isolated during the pandemic.
The Advocacy League of Kindness (TALK) Northwest
TALK Northwest members hosted a two-day Kispiox Advocates Camp Conference to celebrate connection to each other and the lands they call home.
To celebrate connection to each other and the lands we live on, TALK Northwest members from Terrace and Kitimat used the last of their Self-Advocates Leading Connection grant funding to host a two-day Kispiox Advocates Camp Conference in September 2023. Participants from surrounding communities gathered to build skills, have fun and make friends. The conference started with a reflection of gratitude and ended with powerful, inspiring stories shared around the campfire.
“There were so many special moments that were shared. The morale was high, the group dynamics were amazing, and everyone was so respectful and encouraging to each other. Everyone raved about their experience and dreams for a future campout conference event,” say the camp leaders.
