What Being a Self-Advocate Means to Me

Being a self-advocate means speaking up for myself and for others. It means standing up for my rights and asking for what I need and want. It also means helping to make sure other people are heard, too.

One of my first memories of advocating was with my friends during council meetings of the City of Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County. We spoke about the need for public transportation. We kept showing up and speaking out until our community got what it needed. That experience taught me that change can happen when people work together and do not give up.

Another important moment for me was GCDD’s Advocacy Days at the Capitol. I introduced a guest speaker at one event. At another Advocacy Day, I gave my own speech. I talked about how important it is for people to be heard and about unlocking the waiting list. Speaking at the Capitol helped me see how powerful our voices can be.

If you are new to advocacy, I want you to know that you matter. Your feelings matter. What you want matters. You may not always get what you ask for right away, and that is okay. My advice is to be patient and respectful. Keep speaking up, even when it takes time.

Several issues are important to me. Immigration matters to me because I believe everyone should have the chance to become a citizen and follow their dreams. The economy is important because the cost of living affects everyone. Health care is important to me because of my own health needs and experiences.

Being a self-advocate has taught me that my voice is important. When I speak up for myself and my community, I know I am helping create change, one step at a time.

Dorothy Harris is a member of Uniting for Change, a statewide, grassroots network of self-advocates, allies and supporters in Georgia. She is also a former member of the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.