Self-AdvocacyDom Lupisan

Yunior HernandezCalifornia State University, Northridge

April 12, 2011

What is Self-Advocacy?

What is Self-Advocacy?Self-advocacy refers to an individual’s ability

to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights

It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions

Self-Advocacy Cont’dSelf-advocacy is understanding your

strengths and needs, identifying your personal goals, knowing your legal rights and responsibilities, and communicating these to others

Self-Advocacy is speaking up for oneself.  Until recently it was a concept used more for

adults with disabilities, but increasingly it is recognized as a tool to speak for our needs

History of Self-AdvocacyThe term “self-advocacy” can be traced back

in the late 1960’s when young adults with disabilities began speaking out about taking an active role in planning their lives and the programs that supported them

This journey of self-education is an ongoing process, as individual needs change over time

There are three parts to becoming an effective self-advocate: knowing yourself, knowing your needs, and knowing how to get what you need

How Does it Relate to You?The collegial educational journey is an

ongoing process, as individual needs change over time

1. Freshman: Transition to a new environment2. Sophomore: Feeling connected (Do I

matter?)3. Junior: Internships, job opportunities4. Senior: Graduation, new job, graduate

school

Quote of the Day“The greatest revolution of our generation is

the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” – William James (Philosopher, Psychologist)

Personal Experiences with Self- AdvocacyDiscuss our experiences in college and life

about how we have self-advocated and what results we acquired from doing so

Group ActivityBreak into groups of 5

Discuss self-advocacy

Talk about a time when you self-advocated

Talk about a time when you decided to stay silent and why you decided to take such action

How to Practice Self-AdvocacyLanguage use

“I” statements

Understand power structure

Know what you want