Grassroots groups have helped many people spark change around the world for different reasons. They have also been instrumental in championing social justice issues throughout American history. Grassroots groups are one of the best kept secrets in the toolbox of people with disabilities too. The only problem is they aren’t utilized as much as they should be. To help readers improve the resources available to them in their advocacy toolbox, here are 6 benefits of a grassroots group for people with disabilities.
Become more familiar with different aspects of advocacy. Advocacy can be such a long and confusing process. In order to be successful advocates, people must learn the ins and outs of each step that needs to be taken to reach a goal. Sometimes this may overwhelm people. The more we become active in an issue and see the advocacy process in motion, the more knowledge we can gain about how effective advocacy can work in our favor.
Strength in Numbers. This is a common saying utilized in areas of social change but is a concept that can be used for many reasons. Getting involved in a grassroots group is a great way to find people with shared goals surrounding an issue. The idea that many people are involved in efforts to solve a shared problem helps increase awareness and show the importance of finding a solution to others who may not know enough about the issue. There may be someone following the progress made on the situation that holds the key to influencing solutions that can push the issue forward on a larger scale.
Pool of Resources. Once you find a group of people who share an interest in making change surrounding a cause, you may find yourself networking with them to find out what they can teach you about a subject. You can create a plan to work together to streamline the process of solving the problem. Be open to learn from each other and try to find out what didn’t work before. These details can help you solve the issue that much faster. You will have the opportunity to learn about resources that are available or share your knowledge of resources with someone who may not have such a broad knowledge base. Building a reliable toolkit of resources is all about learning from one another.
Taking action for change. Participating in activities to create positive change for yourself and others is one way to act on issues important to you where you believe there needs to be change. Seeing the results of your work can be a powerful motivator to spur you on to increase your advocacy efforts in that one area or expand your efforts to other issues. It can be evidence for you that your voice matters and the actions you take to raise awareness and change an issue for the better can make a difference, not only for you but for those around you. Once you see real proof from the work you have done, there is no stopping the way you can influence the change necessary to positively impact any issue affecting people with disabilities.
Sense of Community. One of the biggest benefits of grassroots groups is growing a sense of community. Everyone needs to know they aren’t alone in their struggles. A grassroots group allows you the opportunity to meet people with similar experiences who you can learn from but also find a place to have shared commonalities. The support that results from such an environment will positively impact your self-esteem, your self-confidence, your sense of community and the strength that comes with being surrounded by a strong support system.
Boost in Self-Confidence and Empowerment. Anytime it’s possible to make positive change in our lives can be a huge self-esteem booster and a source of empowerment. Too often the media and social norms have engrained in us that people with disabilities aren’t powerful. This is the farthest thing from the truth. Because of the activism taken on by people with disabilities they have capitalized on the power of raising awareness in their communities. As a result, huge changes have been made in the United States because of these efforts. We need to harness that momentum and use those examples of advocates that came before us. Building on the foundation they carved out, we can continue the work that will lead to further improving treatment and increasing rights for people with disabilities.
The only thing left to do is to decide which disability issue you want to get involved with. First, learn as much as you can about the issue that is important to you. Next, find out what organizations in your area are trying to advocate for change in that area. Then, contact the organizations or groups to find out about available opportunities to get involved in their activities. Decide if there is something available that is a fit for you. Then, last but not least, GET INVOLVED!
The difference these activities will make in your life will not only change the way you see the world but give you tools to make a difference that will be felt by not only yourself but, others around you. You will be seen as a trailblazer in your own right that made a mark on society on their own terms. That will make you a leader in your community and a person to follow by the example you’ve put forth.