Community Advocacy Council members traveled to Salem with Lane County People First to attend the OSAC Inclusive Leadership Summit.
It was a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and connect with self-advocates from across Oregon.
We came away with several important messages:
- Our stories matter. Sharing our personal experiences with legislators is a powerful way to speak up for ourselves and others.
- Our differences make us stronger. Learning about each other's backgrounds, cultures, and experiences helps us understand and respect one another.
- Connections are important. We enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting other advocates from around the state.
- Small groups can make a big difference. We heard about social and activity groups that bring people together. Even a small gathering can help build friendships, support, and a sense of community.
One exciting message from the summit was how much Oregon's self-advocacy movement has grown. There are now more than 13 self-advocacy groups across the state!
We left the summit feeling encouraged and excited to keep learning, connecting, and speaking up together.
