Skip to main content

Defining Self-Advocacy

Youth empowerment is helping youth and young adults take charge of their lives. The first step to self-advocacy is 'self,' which means that one needs to learn of their strengths, disability, needs, and wants. After learning about yourself then you can start to advocate or speak up for your necessary supports.  

Featuring…

Christopher (at the time of the video) is a 7th grader who speaks on his self-advocacy experiences. He states, "basically if you have a problem then tell the person that you need it fixed, don't stay quiet and wait for others to speak for you" He adds: "Self-advocacy is kind of like being your own advocate." His personal and simple testimony brings a fresh perspective. No matter what age you are, self-advocacy is a skill that should be taught, learned, and encouraged. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/FsbWB-UN6d0

For more information on self-advocacy and how to define and build it. The "Self-Advocacy: Tips for Teens" describes self-advocacy, how to practice it, and being prepared. And, both Christopher's story (mentioned above) and another valuable story are included in "Jacob's Self-Advocacy Video." Find it here: https://utahparentcenter.org/publications/infosheets/transadultinfosheets/tips-for-teens/

Announcement...

The SPAN Youth Chat will be on break on August 18th and 25th and returning on September 1st. All youth and young adults (past or present attendees) will receive an email with a poll. This poll will collect information on preferred times to host the youth chats for the upcoming Fall season. Thank you for your continuous support. 

What do you think about Christopher's story? When have you used self-advocacy to solve an issue? Let us know in the comments below. And connect with us in the comments. 

-

Author 

Jeremy Hayer 

Resources...

The SPAN Youth Chat: The SPAN Youth Chat

Christopher's Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbWB-UN6d0&ab_channel=UtahParentCenter

Self-Advocacy: Tips for Teens: https://utahparentcenter.org/publications/infosheets/transadultinfosheets/tips-for-teens/

Subscribe to SPAN’s YouTube channel: SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Link to SPAN’s website: www.spanadvocacy.org 

Link to SPAN’s Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

We’re here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rutgers RWJMS Seeks Children and Young Adult Participants in Long COVID Study

RECOVER is a research project that aims to learn about the long-term health effects of COVID. Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) has been awarded a $30 million+ grant from the NIH to help lead a study on the long-term and delayed impacts of COVID-19 in children and young adults. This study is designed to answer these questions: -How many children get Long COVID? -Why do some children get Long COVID and others do not? -What symptoms do children feel when they get Long COVID? -How long do children feel sick when they get Long COVID? -What causes Long COVID to happen in children? -How does having Long COVID affect children's physical and mental health and development as they grow? Eligible subjects include infants, children, adolescents, and young adults through 25 years of age. Infection with COVID is not necessary to participate. The study's first phase includes a home questionnaire and blood and saliva samples provided from the comfort of your h
Post a Comment
Read more

Paid Opportunity! NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL)

The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is the state's agency for protecting, improving, and guiding the state's workforce or workers. Here is an exciting and unique paid opportunity for youth and young adults to participate in that mission.  Applicants or interested participants will take a hands-on approach to support the development of NJDOL's digital career tools and provide feedback.  The spots are limited, so please contact Johan Mora Valverde at  jmora-valverde@spanadvocacy.org  for more information. If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian, or need support at any age, forward or share this opportunity. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Hobbies to Try in 2024

Hobbies are a way to relieve anxiety, use free time, and exercise for physical or mental health. Unique hobbies go as far as building skills and talents.  How hobbies can improve your mental health- Feelgood Health   The Feelgood Health YouTube channel hosts a series, "Feelgood Health MythBusters," to examine truths and rumors surrounding health issues in the medical community. The effects of hobbies on one's mental health also dispel myths surrounding mental health and mindfulness.  Check out the video here:
Post a Comment
Read more