Self Advocates

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Socialites Self-Advocacy Meetings

Second Tuesday of every month from 6-7 p.m.

MidState Arc

200 Research Parkway Meriden, CT 06450

Meetings will also be held via ZOOM if you can’t attend in person.

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-Advocacy is being able to speak up for one’s self and one’s interest. Effective communication is an important skill for the advocates as often times they are the “voice” on many topics representing the individuals.

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About Our Advocacy

The monthly Socialites meeting is held by our two self-advocate coordinators, Kelly Dorsey and Michelle Bell.

Kelly is currently serving as a secretary for People’s First (which is the state wide advocacy group.) She is also an advocate for Tash, which is a National Disability Advocacy Organization in which she attends virtual classes.

Michelle and Kelly work as a team representing MidState Arc and the individuals served. They are there for the individuals to help them learn how to do something, or just be a good listener for them.

Topics Discussed

Some of the topics that we have discussed at our meetings include:

  • Job interview skills
  • Budgeting
  • Communication
  • Stress management
  • Technology

We have had several guest speakers come in and discuss financial Crimes and scams from the Meriden Police Department, a K9 Demo where the dogs showed how they can detect drugs, and we also had a Probate Judge came in to discuss guardianship.

Who can Attend

We welcome you to join the Self-Advocacy group! The meeting is open to anyone from inside or outside the MidState Arc organization. Usually, there are 10 or more people in attendance and a different topic is discussed each month.

Meetings are held in person at MidState Arc or you have the option to attend via ZOOM. (Visit our Facebook the day before for the Zoom links @midstatearcct)

Any questions regarding the Self-Advocacy meetings can be directed to Kelly Dorsey or Michelle Bell at MidState Arc where they can be reached at 203-238-8396.