SAM is a network of self-advocates, advisor, allies, friends, family, and professionals-led by self-advocates. The main focus of the group is to build a statewide network to help people with developmental disabilities know their rights through personal and group action. The Council gets together once a month for meetings and can participate in other activities.

The members of the council elect officers who run the monthly meetings. The council also elects two self-advocates to become part of the leader circle representatives who then brings our needs and issues to work on creating a statewide agenda.

What we do each year grant is in place:

• 3 trainings on personal empowerment, leadership development and know your rights.

• 3 trainings on system change, government policy, voting and civic engagement.

• Talk about disability in our society- self-advocacy movement and civil rights.

• Educate the public-Letters to the editor, press releases, and presentations.

• People 1st Minnesota does 3 trainings on personal empowerment, disability awareness, and systems change.

• Participate in the State Leadership Circle meetings.

• Host a Conference.

If you would like more information regarding SAM or when the meeting dates are scheduled, please contact Melissa Evans- SAM Liaison: melissa@arcse-mn.org or 507-287-2032 or 888-732-8520 for more information. We are in need of representatives from Rice, Dodge, Goodhue, Mower, Fillmore, Steele, Freeborn, and Wabasha counties.