Citizen Advocacy, on one hand, is very simple and easy to understand - its about getting to know and standing by a person who has been labeled with mental retardation or developmental disability.

Another way to describe Citizen Advocacy is to say its when a valued citizen, unpaid and independent of human services, enters a relationship with a person who is at risk of social exclusion and isolation. The citizen advocate endeavors to understand, respond to, and represent that persons interests as if they were the advocates own.

The relationships are initiated by a Citizen Advocacy office. Citizen Advocacy of Erie County learns about people with handicaps who have various needs and seeks someone in the community to respond to those needs.

As the relationships mature and develop, they are supported by Citizen Advocacy of Erie County, through encouragement, guidance, and resources.

Who are Citizen Advocates?

Citizen Advocates are people who believe that a fellow citizen regardless of disability, deserves dignity, respect, and opportunities to enjoy a good life. Not only do they expect these things, they also act to make them a reality in that persons life.

Citizen Advocates voluntarily take a stand beside a person labeled with mental retardation or a developmental disability as an ally, spokesperson, mentor, representative payee, guardian, or friend. Citizen Advocates know about the power of freely-given relationships.

Citizen Advocates are people from all walks of life - nurse, auto mechanic, homemaker, self-employed entrepreneur, pastor, waitress, bank manager, and many others.

Citizen Advocates are not experts. They are ordinary people who, through compassion, common sense, courage, and everyday skills, are making a difference in someone elses life.

Why are relationships important?

There are really very few basic human needs. They include food, water, shelter, and clothing. Another, and perhaps even more fundamental need that is often taken for granted, is the need for human relationships.

It is through relationships with others that we are sustained and our lives enriched. Simply put, all people need friends.

Yet, many people with developmental disabilities are cut off from these vital connections. The dynamics of devaluation, segregation, and prejudice guarantee that freely given relationships will be hard to come by. Opportunities to build friendships, partnerships, and networks of support, assistance and comradery do not exist.

Citizen Advocacy is one way to make a difference, one person at a time

Principles of Citizen Advocacy

*Citizen Advocates are independent. Their efforts come from a primary loyalty to a vulnerable person rather than from an influence outside their relationship with him or her.

*Citizen Advocates choose one or any number of roles in their relationship with a person with a handicap.

*People of all ages, in a variety of living situations, and with individual needs can be assisted by a Citizen Advocate.

*Citizen Advocacy relationships are initiated and supported by, but not controlled by, an independent Citizen Advocacy office.

*Citizen Advocacy of Erie County is a community organization of Erie County people who believe in equality, justice and a good life for all people.

*Citizen Advocacy of Erie County has an exclusive focus to create and support Citizen Advocacy relationships.

*Citizen Advocacy of Erie County demonstrates the personhood and citizenship of people with handicaps by avoiding the use of negative or stigmatizing images and languages.

There are many people labeled with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in Erie County who have no unconditional relationships, no one to help them through tough times, or even to share their joys. Citizen Advocates are needed to fill a variety of roles.

For more information contact:

The Arc of Erie County
Citizen Advocacy Coordinator
Angela Williams
(419) 625-9677 ext. 167