ADVOCACY
There are critical issues to address in North Carolina
if living in the community is possible.
Those include:
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Lack of consistent cost of living wages for direct service providers (DSP’s), causing severe shortages. Urge our NC General Assembly to support an increase in Direct Service Provider (DSP) rates to at least $18.00 per hour.
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Lack of Service Providers willing to support people with I/DD who choose to live in their own home in the community.
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Lack of available Medicaid Innovations Waivers, due to zero funding for additional waivers over the course of many years. There are 17,000 people on the waiting list with an average wait of 10-15 years and it is steadily growing.
HOPE, along with many other organizations, is working to address these issues through advocacy
It’s critical to be involved, become aware of the legislative process,
and reach out to legislators to make them aware of how you and/or family members are affected.
USEFUL LINKS:
Self-Advocacy
HOPE NC is looking for you!
Do you want to live on your own?
· Make your own decisions?
· Tell others about the importance of independent living?
· Connect with government leaders to improve our disability community?
Our Plan as the Self Advocate Community
In our community, we will do the following things:
Hold individual interviews with advocates to share their feelings around independent living and the need for housing
Write personal letters to stakeholders or supporters of HOPE
Create and complete advocacy projects around the Triangle around independent living
HOPE has the following Self-Advocate opportunities:
Collective Impact work groups—This role involves attending small group meetings for solving issues around housing affordability, belonging/engagement, IDD systems and older adult systems. HOPE would like you to bring information or thoughts on how these topics affect those with IDD or bring ideas on how we can improve on these areas for those with IDD. This role will involve monthly Zoom meetings sharing your ideas.
Community Event Planning Committee—Your job will be to help create and plan community events that revolve around HOPE’s mission. We will ask you about what type of events you would want to do, we will ask you to market the events to your community, and lastly, we will give you a job at the event to help out. This role will be very hands-on, and you will use some creativity.
Fundraising committee—Your job will be to help HOPE develop ways to raise money. Your job will be to help come up with ideas for fundraisers and assist in telling potential donors about HOPE. We will work with you to create pitches explaining why the HOPE community is important to you. This role will take a lot of communication skills.
Inclusive Housing Summit planning committee—This committee is all about assisting in the planning of one of HOPE’s biggest events. This event will involve breakout sessions, panels, and keynote presentations. You will be part of helping us plan the event, help out at the event by being a guide, or work at the check-in table. This role requires organizational skills and ability to relate well to others.
To Join:
Contact Deja