Leadership opportunities

​Pierce County Boards and Commissions 
Pierce County has 48 boards and commissions. These boards are made up of leaders in the community, citizens who come together to help shape programs in the community for groups that include children, senior citizens, developmentally disabled persons, and a variety of other services which benefit residents and community needs. See the Pierce County Boards and Commissions website for more info.

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Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
The Pierce County Developmental Disabilities Board assists and advises Pierce County Human Services on:

• Services to individuals with developmental disabilities
• The development of the Five-Year Plan
• Agency operations conducted under the plan
• Evaluation of ongoing programs
• The selection of contractors

Board members have a responsibility to receive and provide information related to board activities involving stakeholders, such as parents, individuals with disabilities, agency staff and other interested community members. 
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Pierce County Accessible Communities Advisory Council (ACAC)  
The committee is actively involved in the following activities: Advising on addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in emergency plans; advising the county and other local governments within the county on access to programs services and activities, new construction or renovation projects, sidewalks, other pedestrian routes of travel, and disability parking enforcement; and developing local initiatives and activities to promote greater awareness of disability issues, and acceptance, involvement, and access for persons with disabilities within the community.   Apply online to Join the ACAC ​

Self Advocate Robert Wardell met with his Senator Hans Zeiger to talk about institutions during the 2020 Leg Session

Advocate/Self Advocate 
 You can make a difference and be the reason why change happens. An advocate is someone who sees a concern and uses their voice and resources to bring about change. Most advocates choose to stand up for themselves, a cause, group of people or idea.

​Political Advocate
These are trained advocates who meet with Politicians to talk about important issues.  They testify and share their story during Committee Hearings to ask Legislators to show support or oppose bills that will affect the I/DD community. They also meet with local lawmakers like Mayors, Commissioners or City Council Representatives. They make it a point to be active in their own local government as well by attending local city hall and council meetings. During election years they spend their free time working on candidate campaigns by volunteering their time knocking on doors, waving signs, making phone calls, sending emails,and more to ask voters to support candidates who believe all people no matter what their ability level deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

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People First of Pierce County
People first is one of the top self-advocacy organizations in the United States. The pierce chapter is 1 of over 30 active chapters around the state of Washington with a membership of over 1,000 people. They offer numerous opportunities for inclusive events as well as resources for training materials on self-advocacy, leadership, fundraising, etc. All are welcome to join. 
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​Meetings: 1st Wednesday of every month at 2pm
Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86336571902
Meeting ID: 863 3657 1902
By Phone: 1-253-215-8782
​863 3657 1902

Not In Pierce County?  Get connected at People First of Washington 

At Self Advocates In Leadership, we are driven by a single goal- to do our part in making the state of Washington a better place for all. Our decision making process is 1) Gathering information from all Self Advocacy groups in our networks, 2) a planning process where we listen to all the voices of S.A.I.L members, 3) working together we build the legislative agenda through respectful teamwork using the information we gathered. We build productive relationships and make a positive impact with all of our efforts while we shape public policy in our state and federal government.

​The Arc of Washington State
Since 1936, The Arc of Washington State has been a leader in the development of services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages and provide support to their families.Their mission is to advocate for the rights and full participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They support and empower individuals and families; connect and inform individuals and families; improve support and service systems; influence public policy; increase public awareness; and inspire inclusive communities Click the logo to learn more.

PAVE Volunteer
There are many opportunities to volunteer your time all over Pierce County. As a volunteer, you can offer support, get  guidance,learn skills, get real world vocational experience and develop relationships. Being a volunteer can help someone connect to their community and society. It allows people to step up and share their ideas and advice to solve real challenges and feel like a member  of their community.  There are so many opportunities at PAVE  Contact us for more information just say "I want to volunteer" in your request.

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Person Center Plan Facilitator (PCP)
A Person-Centered Plan is a tool used to "map out" a person's future. The plan puts together  action steps and supports to help individuals move towards living the life of their dreams. It focuses on each individual's gifts, talents, and personal goals.

Learn skills and techniques during training's at monthly "Guild Meetings" 
Guild Meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month 11- 1 PM
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For more information about workshops, or to learn more about how you can develop a Person Centered Plan for yourself or a loved one,
please call Michele Lehosky 253-565-2266 or email mlehosky@wapave.org

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Youth Opportunities:

Neuroscience Student Summer Program

Every year The DO-IT Center and Center for Neurotechnology (CNT) at the University of Washington sponsor a five-day program for students during the summer. High school and college students receive an introduction to neuroscience and neural engineering, neuroethics, and scientific communication.

Students get exposure to the field of neural engineering and basic preparation for college studies in STEM subjects and careers.
Applications for the 2020 summer program are now available.

​The summer program will run online from August 10 – 14 (10am – 1:30pm), with continued activities throughout the school year. There is no cost to students accepted into this program. The application process is competitive.​ 

​SAFE ST 
Youth Leading Change Program   (YLC)
Through the Youth Leading Change program, middle school and high school students form close relationships, develop leadership skills, create their own campaigns to change the culture of their schools, and become lifelong leaders. See More Details by visiting their website by clicking their logo