Citizen Advocacy - ABOUT US -- FAQ's

1. What is Advocacy?
Everyone has the right to say what they want and need when important decisions are being made which will affect their lives. Some people, however, find it hard to express their views and make choices. This may be for many reasons. It may be because they find it hard to understand what people are talking about; they may find it hard to talk, or make others understand what they are saying; they may not have had the chance to practice making choices; sometimes others just don't listen to them or they believe that what they say is not important. These people need someone to speak up on their behalf, or to stand by them when they speak for themselves so that people will listen and take notice of what they say.
This is Advocacy.

"(My advocate) helps people to listen more. If she wasn't there I don't think people would listen much at all."
A Partner

2. What does Citizen Advocacy do?
The organization:

Links people with developmental disabilities with volunteers who may support them to speak up for themselves or will speak on their behalf
Provides ongoing help and advice for people who are advocating
Keeps in touch will all the people who are matched through Citizen Advocacy

3. What is My Role as a Volunteer?
When you commit to becoming an advocate, you are taking on a special and rewarding relationship. It is very important that all volunteers familiarize themselves with these guidelines before being matched.

The Volunteer Commitment:

Commit to spending two to four hours each month with your protégé for six months
Always act with respect towards your protégé through both words and your actions
Maintain ongoing communication with care providers (if applicable) and the CA office
Inform CA as soon as possible if you must end your CA match for whatever reason

4. What do the Program Co-ordinators of CA do?
The program co-ordinator finds, matches, and supports advocates. They do not advocate.

The Advocacy Co-ordinator:

Visits people who are referred and talks with them and others involved about what they need from the organization.
Finds independent people who become short-term advocates, long-term advocates or self advocacy assistants.
Matches advocacy volunteers with an individual or a group.
Although advocates and self advocacy assistants, once approved, are independent, the program co-ordinator offers ongoing help, advice and support.

5. How do Advocates relate to other people?
Other people sometimes feel threatened by Advocacy. They may feel that they know the person better than the advocate and, therefore, they are more able to speak up for them. We all want what is best for the person but each will have a different role to play. Advocates and others involved should be willing to:

Be sensitive to each other's role and responsibilities
Share news
Help each other to have a deeper understanding of what the person wants and needs
Make sure those wants and needs are heard and respected

Advocacy is positive!