The Self Advocates of Semiahmoo are building relationships and helping to make impactful changes across their community. Photo courtesy of UNITI.
Public speaking is the biggest fear for many people. But not for the Self Advocates of Semiahmoo (SAS), a group of about 20 people who are working to make changes in their community by building positive relationships. They have confidence galore, and it shows.
Take for example the all-candidates meeting they organized for Surrey and White Rock for the fall 2024 provincial election. They invited three party candidates to come speak to the community. In addition, group members gave speeches on topics of community concern.
SAS Co-Chair Jeevan Basra moderated the event and asked candidates questions in front of a full house. After the event, many people came up to chat. That’s the goal says Jeevan—to build awareness and change attitudes.
“I like how involved in the community we are,” she says. “We have gotten many people reaching out to us in the last weeks to see if they can collaborate with us.”
Jeevan co-chairs SAS with Michaela Robinson and she has been part of the group for about six years. The Self Advocates of Semiahmoo, with a funding partnership from community inclusion service organization UNITI, has been around for ten years.
SAS has built a reputation in the community, says the group’s supporter Candice O’Brien, with people coming to them to ask for help, for advice or to partner.
The group is very active through events like the NEW to YOU Clothing sale that raised $5,750 towards the City of White Rock Pier Access Mat. The group also consults with their cities, government and schools on safety, accessibility and services.
Group members are also making a difference, including Jeevan’s Socks for a Cause campaign, and a Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser led by Stacey Kohler. Self-advocates supported through UNITI’s Community Development Services are able to use this program toward such community leadership activities.
The group also hosted an all-candidates meeting for the recent federal election. They’re now getting ready for a clothing sale, then a Craft Fair this December for entrepreneurs, both self-advocates and people from the community who have their own businesses.
When asked for advice, Jeevan says, “Take your time. Know what you want to do. Come up with a plan before you sit with your group. Figure out what is your biggest goal.”