Self Advocacy
The United Arc of Franklin and Hampshire Counties
Self-advocacy means speaking up for oneself. The United Arc sponsors two self-advocacy groups which offer peer support, leadership development, social events and learning opportunities for adults with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.
The Frontier Clubinvolves members from the North Quabbin area. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings, 5:45 – 7:30 PM at 100 Main Street, Athol, MA.
The Pioneer Clubdraws its membership from central Franklin County. Meetings are held Thursday evenings, 6 – 8 PM at The Arc Common, 20 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.
Membership in each club is voluntary and each club charges modest weekly dues. Local transportation is available to those who need assistance in getting to club meetings. Both clubs maintain connections with other self-advocacy groups in western Massachusetts, statewide activities sponsored through Massachusetts Advocacy Standing Strong and national activities sponsored by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered.
For more information about each club or to receive club calendars and newsletters contact The United Arc at 413-774-5558 or email . “Self advocacy is about independent groups of people with disabilities working together for justice by helping each other take charge of our lives and fight discrimination. It teaches us how to make decisions and choices that affect our lives so we can be more independent. It teaches us about our rights, but along with learning about our rights we learn responsibilities. The way we learn about advocating for ourselves is by supporting each other and helping each other gain confidence in ourselves so we can speak out for what we believe in.”
Definition from Self Advocacy Becoming Empowered
Written in 1993
Mission Statement: "The Arc will lead in forging a society that values, respects, includes, and recognizes the contribution of community members with disabilities."
