People First of Alabama
Our Mission Statement
People First of Alabama is a group of people with developmental
disabilities living in Alabama communities dedicated to making our dreams happen
by having choices and control over our lives. This means having opportunities to
make decisions and plans for ourselves instead of having others make them for
us.
5 Years Plan
Goals
Goal 1: Make People
First of Alabama Stronger
We
will engage collective efforts to: (a) gain new members each year by reaching
out to new communities and groups, especially youth; (b) complete the People First Toolkit, train lead team,
regional representatives, and local members how to use Toolkit to streamline
organization of state and local chapters and groups; (c) recruit, train, and
recognize local advisors to support organization activities; and (d) pursue
ongoing funding sources and maintain existing regional and state structure,
bylaws, and administrative rules.
Goal 2: Spread the Word
about Alabama People First and
Self-Advocacy
We
will work with the Office of Consumer Empowerment to: (a) publish our quarterly
newsletter, "Speaking Out!", our
1-800 number, and the ArcLink and People First of Alabama Websites; (b) educate
the public about People First's vision, mission, and goals through community
visits, local events, and the media; (c) increase communication between People
First members by educating them about computer and email use at local libraries
and helping them to set up personal email accounts; and (d) promote involvement
of People First members and others at the state and national conferences and
regional and local self-advocacy events.
Goal 3: Make a
Difference
We
will: (a) continue to identify policy issues and develop policy statements; (b)
choose one policy issue per region, develop an action plan, and work together
for change; (c) expand member participation on local and state boards and
committees; and (d) educate legislators, state leaders, and others about our
vision, mission and goals, People First language, and how we want to be treated
- just like anyone else.
Goal 4: Have
Fun