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FREE DISABILITY ADVOCACY TRAINING WORKSHOP PLANNED FOR PITTSBURGH ON MARCH 6 Advocacy workshops will provide basic information and training for people interested in helping themselves and others with disabilities On Monday, March 6, 2006 the Resource Center for Disability Advocates will host a free overview workshop for leaders of organizations, people with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, and individuals wanting to make a difference for people with disabilities.   (Camp Hill, Pa.) - On Monday, March 6, 2006 the Resource Center for Disability Advocates will host a free overview workshop for leaders of organizations, people with disabilities, family members of people with disabilities, and individuals wanting to make a difference for people with disabilities. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living at 900 Rebecca Avenue in Pittsburgh. A leading national advocacy consultant will conduct the overview workshops, which are intended to provide general information on advocacy. The consultant will cover four basic areas of advocacy including developing an action plan, organizing a group, networking, and choosing the best advocacy actions to achieve a specific goal. One of the most important aspects of advocacy is developing an action plan, which includes preparation as well as setting and meeting goals. The consultant will explain why preparation is necessary and the importance of a mission statement. The Resource Center's expert will explain how to get and keep a group organized. This includes tips on how to identify strengths, manage time, and organize meetings. Networking is a valuable advocacy tool that is sometimes overlooked. The workshop will teach attendees how to network for information and for effective advocacy. Finally, choosing the best actions will make advocates' efforts more efficient and effective. Learning how to increase awareness of different advocacy approaches and understanding the factors that need to be considered in deciding which advocacy approach to take will be crucial to any individual or group's efforts. These workshops are the first step in becoming an advocate for people with disabilities. Individuals looking for more specific information can contact the Resource Center for training on a variety of topics including: strategic and long range planning, establishing a nonprofit organization, fundraising and grant writing, effective organizational management, working with the media and becoming your own best advocate. Through a grant from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council, the Resource Center provides training, technical assistance and consulting to individuals and organizations that want to help people with disabilities. The Resource Center's guidance is designed to support all levels of advocates from experienced organizations to newly motivated individuals. There will be another workshop on March 20 in Altoona. In addition to these workshops, the Resource Center for Disability Advocates offers advocacy trainings pertinent to an organization's or individual's specific needs. Consultants are available to train individuals, community groups and organizations that are interested in taking action and making a difference. For more information contact the Resource Center at 717-731-1900 or 800-323-6060 (ext. 25). The Resource Center is provided by Independent Living Consultant Services (ILCS). The mission of ILCS is to increase the abilities of local advocacy groups through consultation, technical assistance, information, resource provision, networking and training. For more information, to R.S.V.P. or ask about accommodations for the training sessions, please contact John Tassone at 800-323-6060 (ext. 25). For more information regarding this press release please contact Nathan Pigott at 717-975-2148 or via email at npigott@hersheyphilbin.com. ### Back to the Newsroom