Advocates promote the idea that people have rights, can make decisions for themselves, speak for themselves and can determine for themselves how to live as independently as possible. Advocates participate in advocacy groups, learn self-advocacy skills, attend conferences, lobby for policy changes, participate in agency committees and support each other when speaking about what is important.
Several groups are active across the region and are outlined below. The Advocacy Department provides a platform for people to share their experiences and promote positive change.
Information: 716.322.7070 or advocacydept@people-inc.org
Advocacy Groups
People Inc. Advocacy groups host and participate in a variety of local, regional and state-wide monthly advocacy meetings. Meetings may be offered in-person, vistually, or hybrid (in-person/virtual). Below is a description of each group and their meeting times.
Please Note:
- All virtual meetings are held on Zoom (except STREAM).
- Accomodations for an American Sign Language interpreter can be made if a request is made in advance.
- For virtual meeting IDs/passwords or accomodation requests, contact us at 716.322.7070 or advocacydept@people-inc.org.
In-Person Advocacy Groups
Buffalo Regional
Meetings are held third Thursday of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. at Jericho Road Health Center, 1021 Broadway, Buffalo NY 14212. This group is run by SANYS. Please contact Sophia Roberts to join.
Family Advocacy
This group is for family members that would like to learn advocacy skills, educate themselves about People Inc., and give constructive feedback. Light refreshments provided. Meetings are on the second Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. at 1219 North Forest Road, Williamsville NY 14221.
Virtual Advocacy Groups
A Good Life
Meets the Second Monday of the month from 10-11 a.m. This group focuses on habits and ideas that can contribute to having a good life. We might share a recipe or a tip on moving our bodies more. We try to provide resources each month and celebrate what each of us considers a good life.
Social Opportunities
We use Zoom every day of the week to provide an opportunity to connect with other people. Our meetings are Monday through Friday from 4-5 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, the meetings are from 1-2 p.m. On holidays, we provide one meeting from 10-11 a.m.
STREAM
This group works to use streaming media (audio and video) as a tool for advocacy. We discuss issues and events, conduct interviews, and film coverage of events to be released to the public. We teach and encourage our members to do their own thing using social media to spread their own word. Meetings are held the third Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Virtual Meeting ID: 716 650 0697
Hybrid Advocacy Groups
Brothers & Sisters Advocacy
Meetings held on the third Monday each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This group originated in Rochester, but now has members from across New York State who join virtually. This group’s passion is teaching others how to speak up for themselves. The group loves to give presentations. If you are looking to learn how to be a presenter, this is the group for you. Light refreshments provided. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 1860 Buffalo Rd., Rochester NY 14624.
Finger Lakes Regional
Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month and offered at two different times from 10:30-noon and 4-5:30 p.m. This group is facilitated by SANYS. Please contact Sue O’Hearn-Webb to join.
Moving on Up
Group focus – to support people who wish to move, and/or have already moved into their own apartments. Come celebrate the successes and problem-solve the challenges together.
Meetings held on the second Tuesday each month from 5-6 p.m. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207. Light refreshments provided.
PrideAbility of WNY
Group focus – people who are LGBTQIA+ and developmentally disabled coming together to make friends, learn about resources in the gay community, and to increase advocacy skills. Meetings held on the first Monday each month from 5-6 p.m. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 2128 Elmwood, Buffalo NY 14207. Light refreshments provided.
NOTE: New York State PrideAbility Coalition expanded LGBTQIA advocacy meetings are held virtually only on the fourth Tuesday each month from 6-7 p.m.
Technology Advocacy
We provide a monthly opportunity to learn internet safety skills on the second Wednesday of each month from 5-6 p.m. both in-person and virtually. Learn how to create a safe password or discuss what information can be shared safely on-line. Discussion on new technologies to live independently. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY 14207.
Underground
Meetings held on the fourth Monday each month from 5-6 p.m. This group is committed to social justice topics. This is a safe space for people to chat about issues that affect a diverse community. Usually, a video is shown with a brief discussion following. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207. Light refreshments provided.
United Voices for Change
Group focus – to learn self-advocacy skills and develop the "Right of the Month" for the agency. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday each month from 5-6 p.m. For those joining in-person, meetings take place at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207. Light refreshments provided.
A monthly calendar is produced by the People Inc. Advocacy department to share advocacy groups and related events with people the agency supports, families, employees, and the community.