Advocacy is a critical skill and one that we all must take time to build in the New Year, when we may find ourselves having to “Let Our Voices Be Heard.” That is the slogan of Project ACTION!, the District’s self-advocacy coalition of adults with developmental disabilities.

Project ACTION! has been in existence for almost 35 years, providing a safe space for adults, young and old, to learn about their rights, educate one another on important issues for people with disabilities, gain advocacy skills, and collaborate with disability advocacy and government agencies at monthly Saturday meetings. Since COVID, the group meets monthly on Zoom, and quarterly in person. There is discussion about meeting in person more regularly.

Project ACTION! wants to work with and mentor younger self-advocates. This has been a long-time strategic goal for them. Board members are continuing to focus on this goal and will outreach to younger members to grow the leadership of Project ACTION! If you know youth with disabilities who might want to become self-advocacy leaders in DC, please keep reading!

Project ACTION! members are strong, resilient and amazing. I’ve had the honor to work with these men and women for a very long time (over 30 years). I have witnessed the growth and confidence they have developed during their tenure with Project ACTION! They receive practical, hands-on training and support on public speaking, writing testimony, leadership skills, serving on Boards, and more. These trainings have permitted more people to craft testimony that has influenced local legislation and policies that impact the lives of people with disabilities.

Quality Trust has partnered with Project ACTION! since our inception in 2002. We know they are the experts on their lives and are ambassadors for their communities. We hosted listening sessions with their members to determine the issues that challenged them in meeting their goals, what they wished to change in the service delivery system, and how they wanted to be supported to live their best lives. Many of our referrals for advocacy come from Project ACTION! members.

When we roll out new projects and training, we make sure we consult with them. Project ACTION! members have served on our Board and advisory committees since our inception. They also are leader in several of our projects, such as #ProjectPeerToo, and we co-facilitate trainings with many of their members.

Our Bylaws mandate that we have two self-advocates on our Board. They serve a three-year term and are fully included in all the Board’s meetings, on committees, and in all activities. Our self-advocate members are mentored and supported to be fully contributing members.

At the TASH conference this December in Denver, CO, Project ACTION! members networked with self-advocates and professionals from around the country. They shared their stories in a video, MY READ. They asked questions or contributed ideas in all the workshop sessions they attended because they have built up their confidence and are not afraid of being the first ones to speak up.

Ricardo Thornton, Project ACTION!’s Co-President, received TASH’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the conference for his legacy of advocacy and his leadership. Ricardo serves on numerous Board and committees, locally and nationally. He has served on the President’s Committee on People with Intellectual Disabilities under President Obama and on the American Association with People with Disabilities Board. Locally, he served on Quality Trust’s Board as one of the founding members, and is on the DC Developmental Disabilities Council, the Special Olympics DC Board, and many others.

Most of the group’s Executive Committee members, including Thelma Green, Ryan King, Lindsey Wilkes, Germaine Payne, and Robert Kennedy, Jr., serve on Boards and committees as well. The group’s advisors often share Board opportunities with members and support them to apply.

Project ACTION! encourages and supports all its members to serve on Boards and Committees so they can influence the policies and systems that support them and their peers. Advocacy outcomes can take a long time to become reality. However, knowing your work and voice made the difference is rewarding and fuels you to continue to advocate.

Project ACTION! wants to work with and mentor younger self-advocates. This has been a long-time strategic goal for them. Board members are continuing to focus on this goal and will outreach to younger members to grow the leadership of Project ACTION!

Quality Trust is facilitating the Youth Leadership Advocacy project. This project provides training and education to transition-age youth in the District to share what advocacy is and why it is critical for them as they move into the adult service system. Project ACTION! will support them as they learn to speak up for themselves and become aware of their rights, where to go for services and supports, and who their allies are. These trainings also focus on workforce development and how to craft the career they want.

If you know a youth who would benefit from this education/advocacy project please contact Tiffany Yuille at [email protected] or call her at 202-448-1459 to learn more and get them registered to attend.

Project ACTION! holds their monthly Saturday meetings via Zoom and in-person. The next two meetings will be via Zoom on Saturday, January 31 and Saturday, February 28.

If you know someone who enjoys speaking up or is just learning to, please have them contact me at [email protected] or call me at 202-270-1256.