Self Advocacy

 Adults with disabilities becoming empowered to speak up for themselves.

"Self advocacy is about independent groups of people with disabilities working together for justice by helping each other take charge of our lives and fight discrimination. It teaches us how to make decisions and choices that affect our lives so we can be more independent. It teaches us about our rights, but along with learning about our rights we learn responsibilities. The way we learn about advocating for ourselves is by supporting each other and helping each other gain confidence in ourselves so we can speak out for what we believe in."

~ Definition from Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)

The United Arc sponsors two self-advocacy groups which offer peer support, leadership development, social events and learning opportunities for adults with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities.

The Frontier Club involves members from the North Quabbin area. Meetings are held Tuesday evenings, 5:45 – 7:30 PM at 100 Main Street, Athol, MA.

Frontier Club - New phone: 413-824-1401 frontierclub@unitedarc.org
Click Here for current Frontier Club Calendar

The Pioneer Club draws its membership from central Franklin County. Meetings are held Thursday evenings, 6 – 8 PM at The Arc Common, 20 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.

Pioneer Club - New phone: 413-824-1415 pioneerclub@unitedarc.org
Click Here for current Pioneer Club Calendar

Membership in each club is voluntary and each club charges modest weekly dues. Local transportation is available to those who need assistance in getting to club meetings. Both clubs maintain connections with other self-advocacy groups in western Massachusetts, statewide activities sponsored through Massachusetts Advocacy Standing Strong (MASS) and national activities sponsored by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)

For more information about each club or to be put on a club mailing list contact The United Arc at 413-774-5558 or email us.