The Informed Advocates Are Here!

November 18, 2012 marks the kickoff Meet & Greet of the very first cohort for FETA Group  Sacramento, a new study and support group for parents, care providers, and others who are advocating for and with students in special education.

This was an informal gathering to get to know members and discuss the format for the group.

To join the group, there is still time. Contact the FETA Group Sacramento organizer, Angie, for more information.

One of the highlights of the meeting was an an activity that brought to focus the role of an advocate and what members view as their adovacy job descriptions.

The activity allowed each member to come up with a unique and meaningful job title and description. Each member described why they feel their advocacy role is important and what it entails.

Accordingly, the group has coined itself with a tag line: 

"The Informed Advocates are Here!" 

And we are armed with information!

 

What is it our job to do as advocates for our children?

Job Titles and Job Descriptions:

"The Advocate/Champion/Researcher/Protector"

 

"The Connector"

  

"Life Coach and Ambassador of Good Will"

"Mommy at Large"

"Director for the Voice of Children"

(not pictured)

 

Meeting Schedule:

Regular meetings will typically take place on the third Sunday, monthly from 3:00-4:30p.m. (subject to change based on meeting room availability or other factors). The members opted to continue meeting at Arthur F. Turner Community Library at 1212 Merkley Ave., West Sacramento, CA. The room is spacious and has room for a large group and activities. There is plenty of room just in case members would like to bring children and siblings.

The next meeting is Sunday, December 16, 2012. The room is not available from 3:00-4:30pm, so we will meet instead from 4:00-5:00pm. This location and time may change so be sure to contact Angie to confirm.

Homework: what do do before the next meeting:

Read Section 1, chapters 1-3 in the FETA book. Complete chapter study questions and be prepared for discussion. Study questions have been disseminated and are also posted on the Tab on the FETA blog labeled as "Section 1." (contact Angie to request an copy via email.). Study questions have been adapted from the book and the FETAweb for personal use.

If you still need a book, you can order one through Wrightslaw's website:  http://www.wrightslaw.com/store/feta.html.

Note: This is an independent, free, participant-lead study group for “Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, The Special Education Survival Guide” by Pam Wright and Pete Wright. The authors have not authorized this group as a teacher of their material. We're just parents, helping parents.

Cheers everyone!

FETA Group Sacramento Organizer
Angie