1. Finding Your Passion and Voice

2. One of our great pioneers of the self-advocacy movement in theUnited States was Roland Johnson. He has been an inspiration tofind passion and voice. 3. Video Clip From TheThird International Self-Advocacy Conference, 1992 Whos In Control by Roland Johnson 4. In order for YOU to be in control, you have to feel some emotionabout what is happening to you.You have to be concerned, worried, afraid about your own life. Thatis called passion.You also have to know what is best, what you love, what you want.That is also called passion Instead of reading about the problem and worrying about it, I should dosomething! 5. In order for YOU to do something about the way you feel, you haveto have a voice.You can have a voice by sharing your concerns, speaking-up, makingplans, supporting others to also have a voice together!Having a voice means you are advocating about what you believe in! We have to speak-up andvoice our thoughts! It is theonly way to get what wewant in life! Remember, youare often not alone!Speak-up together! 6. Here is an example of what People First of NewHampshire has done: Last winter, we were concerned that budgetcuts would take away our services. We got together and talked about this andshared our emotions, our worries, fears andour anger. Then, our emotions turned into action and webegan to plan. We planned to get together with others toshare our concerns. By sharing our concerns we had a larger voice. We wrote individual letters to ourlegislators, but we also took action as a group. We helped to organize a big rally in front ofthe statehouse. Thousands of people came to share theirvoices. As a result, we were heard and the budgetcuts did not happen as was planned. 7. Understand what makes you passionate.What is it that you love and - what is it that makes youconcerned?Determine ways that you can voice your passion.Advocate for yourself and others! Prepared by People First of New Hampshire, 2011