Hello

I’m the new(ish) Community Development Officer with Disability ACT, and in these few months with DACT I’ve had several enquiries about Citizen Advocacy - a program that seeks social justice and inclusion of people with disability. it used to operate in the ACT but ended a number of years ago, and some folk have requested the program be re-introduced. In order to restart a conversation about the theory of Citizen Advocacy (CA) we decided the best thing to do was invite CA coordinators from other areas to come and talk to us about the program, and how it can impact positively on the lives of people with a disability.

So, I would like to invite you to an information session here at the new Disability Information and Support Hub (DISH) on Wednesday 29February – see details below.

For those who aren’t familiar with CA, it can be summarised as follows:

Citizen Advocacy seeks to support people with a disability - who are isolated and have limited networks or community supports - by matching them with a volunteer who represents their interests. Some of these matches become friendships and may last for life. Volunteers are recruited, trained and supported by a coordinator who manages the work of the Citizen Advocacy agency.

A good website to visit for more information ishttp://www.citizenadvocacysa.com.au

Guest speakers include:

Bob Lee – CA coordinator at the sunshine coast for the last 15 years

Jenny Smith – board member of the Capricorn CA, and CA representative on the DANA board.

The evening will be facilitated by Graham Hambleton, the new Director for Disability ACT.

People with a disability, family members and organisations interested in Citizen Advocacy are very welcome to attend.

I’m sorry about the late notice, but I hope you can still make it. A light meal will be provided.

WHEN: 6pm – 8:30pm, Wednesday 29th February

WHERE: DISH (Disability Information and Support Hub), 60-62 Oatley Court, Belconnen

RSVP: required by Friday 24th February to Maureen on 6205 9365 or atMaureen.Howe@act.gov.au.

Please advise of any participation requirements.

Maureen Howe | Community Development Officer

Strategic Policy and Community Development| Disability ACT

Phone: 6205 9365 | Fax: 6207 1371

Email: maureen.howe@act.gov.au