Learn to influence decision makers - A free Advocacy workshop

Do you want to change the world, or perhaps, some part of it? Can you think of ways to improve something that affects you, your neighbours, or our environment, and want to learn how to most effectively influence others? Whether you want to influence people in government, interest groups, or just individuals, this workshop is the one for you.

Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy is conducting a free information session about advocacy: what it is and how to become an advocate at the Caloundra Library on Tuesday, 9 February 2010.  

Sunshine Coast Regional Council's Caloundra Library Co-ordinator Simone Martin says the presenters, Bob Lee and Louisa Mann, have extensive experience and success advocating for a fair go for people with a disability, in their roles working with the Sunshine Coast Citizen Advocacy.

The citizens' advocacy is an organisaton of local people who care about and value other people in our community. The group particularly focuses on those members of the community who have an intellectual disability, who are often neglected, vulnerable or alone, and need someone to speak up for them.

"Now the group is offering their expertise free of charge to other community members, explaining how advocacy can take many forms and how it is a necessary service, in particular, for many disadvantaged persons and groups in society," said Simone Martin.  

A special focus of the talks will be on advocacy for people with intellectual disability.  

All members of the public are welcome to attend the hour long session, starting at 10:00am.  Anyone interested in being an advocate, being a better advocate or advocacy issues in general will find this workshop especially useful.  People who wish to attend are asked to register their interest with the library by calling 5491 1255.