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This issue I thought I would tell you more about the Regional Self-Advocacy Meeting that I attend monthly in Northampton. Last month, we celebrated our yearly anniversary at the West Springfield Best Western. It was to commemorate our being together as a group for two years.
I went with Kim Scace, the president of the group, Kathy Clark and Michael Kuvent. When we arrived, we had appetizers. My favorite was the vegetable dip and the meat turnovers.
Once all of the groups arrived
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with their advisors, Bruce Brewer, Regional Self-Advocacy Advisor, introduced each group member. I liked hearing my name called.
We listened to a few speakers who discussed how the advocacy network began and issues that are important to us.
We watched a wonderful slide presentation where pictures of all the self-advocacy groups were displayed. It was amazing to me how much self-advocacy means in Western Massachusetts. I am proud to be a part of it.
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A year-and-a-half ago, the Berkshire Advocates and the Southern Berkshire Self-Advocacy group recognized both a need for more local social events and a way to raise money for special projects. The result was monthly dances held at BCARC's Merrill Road facility.
To make the dances special, the groups voted to purchase their own sound systems and colored spotlights to add atmosphere to the soirees.
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The results have been both great fun for the many people who attend the dances and funds to improve the lives of the self advocates and other less fortunate members of their communities as well.
The rocking and rollicking good times have enabled the members of both self advocacy groups to hold end-of-the-year dinner meetings where each group member receives of token of his or her faithful participation in self advocacy activities
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throughout the year. Members have hats, tee shirts, and this year have voted to get sweatshirts with their group logo to proclaim their pride and solidarity.
But they have also showed their concern for others. For instance, during the last holiday season, the two self-advocacy groups donated $300.00 to charities in Gt. Barrington, Pittsfield and Lee to help other people have a brighter and happier holiday.
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