What is Citizen Advocacy?
Citizen Advocacy promotes equality and justice for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
We help people who may be neglected, vulnerable, lonely and in need of someone to speak up and represent their interests.
The Citizen advocacy office pairs these individuals who voluntarily become both friends and advocates that are committed to improving the life of that person.
Citizen Advocacy has been described as:
Ordinary People Doing Ordinary Things of Extra-Ordinary Importance!
Why is Citizen Advocacy needed?
People with intellectual disabilities often experience disadvantage, neglect, abuse and vulnerability in their lives, especially when they are isolated and lonely.
People who are experiencing disadvantage and are isolated need allies.
To have someone who is prepared to make a personal commitment to be on their side; to take action when it is needed; to ensure that the person’s interests are understood and effectively responded to; who is prepared to take the person’s life seriously can profoundly effect the way a person is valued and respected in their community.
Citizen Advocacy is one of the most significant ways that such alliances can be established and supported.