Project Stir is a leadership training developed by the Ohio Self Determination Association. Advocates learn to use tools to help them advocate for themselves, connect with others, and gain leadership skills.
The advocates, along with their ally, learn to stand up for themselves, speak up about things important to them, solve problems, become a leader, start or strengthen an advocacy group, and start planning their future.
Four local advocates attended the training that was held in Athens, Ohio on March 9-11.
Jenny “Hollywood” Rocheleau was one of the advocates who attended. She said, “They taught us to be leaders and now I am an Ohio leader. I teach about rights for everyone. My family and friends help me, and I like to make new friends.”
Project Stir also uses real-life scenarios and skits to help train the advocates. Jenny said, “The skits were fun.”
Kathy Smith, one of the advocates who attended, said, “I enjoyed acquiring new tools to plan for my future.”
Gary Jacobs and Daniel Adams, Clinton County advocates, said, “We enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends.”
Josh Adkins, Community Integration Coordinator for the CCBDD, said, “The goal of this training is for advocates to learn how to advocate for themselves and also advocate for others. My hope is that they will bring back the skills and knowledge they learned to our local advocacy group and lead the way for Clinton County.”
If interested in more information about the Clinton County Board of DD and services offered, please call 937 382-7519 or visit our website at www.co.clinton.oh.us/boardofdd
If you are interested in more information about Clinton County Local Advocacy Group “Advocates in Motion” you can contact Clinton County Advocacy Coordinator Josh “Eddie” Adkins at 937-382-7519 or by email at [email protected].
