If you want to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of Speaking for Ourselves members, volunteer as an advisor! Each local chapter has two or more advisors who help out at the local level and also at the state level. Chapters normally meet once a month and attend statewide meetings four times a year. Every advisor will receive a handbook and training – anyone can do it! If you would like to volunteer as an advisor please email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@speakingforourselves.org

THE ROLE OF SPEAKING FOR OURSELVES ADVISORS

As a People First advisor, you are not a member of the chapter. Yet you are closely tied to the chapter,
and have the best interests of the chapter and its members at heart.

You may not vote or make decisions, and yet the goals and activities of the chapter may only be fulfilled through your efforts.

It is a unique role in an organization. It calls for a person who is able to suggest and inform, without leading. An advisor is a person who is able to support other people’s goals, and who works hard for other’s success.

Every Speaking for Ourselves local chapter deserves an advisor who is able to act as a resource person for the Speaking for Ourselves members, and who is capable of helping the members settle disputes, plan activities, and set goals which do not reflect the opinion or goals of the advisor.

Some helpful reminders are on the pages following, which will be useful in helping advisors evaluate their own performance as support people, in their role as a Speaking for Ourselves advisor.

Advisors:

• Give advice when asked
• Help get training
• Attend every meeting
• Work to change things that stand in the way of meeting goals

Some Thoughts People First Members Have On Advisors