Another way to reach your full potential within your community is to connect with people your age who share your same life experiences. Organizations such as YO Disabled & Proud!, the National Youth Leadership Network, Participants in Progress, CalVolunteers and People First provide opportunities for you to learn about disability history, organize with other youth and take action on the issues affecting your life. You will also have the chance to join various clubs and volunteer within your community.
Becoming involved in YO Disabled & Proud can help you learn about the disability rights movement, disability history, disability pride, disability organizing and advocacy. pportunities exist to connect with other youth with disabilities. Develop a sense of history, leadership, and a positive disability identity. Organize and mobilize on issues that affect your life. Get involved, visit www.yodisabledproud.org
The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is dedicated to advancing the next generation of disability leaders. It helps promote leadership development, education, employment, independent living, health and wellness among young leaders just like you! These are opportunities for you to become involved in all aspects of society at national, state and local levels. Learn about issues important to you and the policies and practices that affect you. Find out more about National Youth Leadership Network on their website: www.nyln.org
Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn a new skill
and help others. Cal Volunteers offers a number of programs including
AmeriCorps, the California Volunteer Matching Network, and the Green
Jobs Corps, which provide opportunities for you to become involved. For
more information log on to www.Californiavolunteers.org
People First of California provides role models for people
with developmental disabilities and offers opportunities for personal
empowerment, leadership, and advocacy. This is a great way for you to
learn how to speak for yourself, learn what your rights are, and become
involved in the disability advocacy movement. Find a chapter in your local
area at www.peoplefirstca.org
YLF is an exciting five-day leadership program for California high school juniors and seniors that provides information on a wide variety of topics including: independent living, disability advocacy, employment, technology and resource agencies and much more. Create a "Personal Leadership Plan" to help you reach your future education and career goals. This five-day forum is held once a year at Sacramento State University. Learn how to apply at www.calf.org
Participants in Progress – Participants in Progress (PIP) is a Sacramento based social support group dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. This group meets once a month and is open to you, your friends and your family. PIP will give you a chance to become more social and share information with others. To learn more, please visit: www.pipweb.info