Rise UP

Rise up is not only a cool song, but for most of us who have been in the fight for a person-centered system, it is a feeling about taking action. 

I have always wanted to tip the scales of justice toward those who depend on a system to help them live the life they want.

Now, if you are a new advocate reading this, you are probably asking yourself, “How do I rise up?” Well, it all starts with you. Any meeting you are involved in is your opportunity to rise up and change things for yourself. This is especially true of the Life Plan meeting, because once you speak up in a meeting that is for you and about you, the feeling you have after you speak up for yourself is like a large exhale of relief. Trust me, I know. 

For those veteran advocates reading this, I know sometimes the call to always rise up can be exhausting. But, if you have one victory, celebrate it. Don't gloat because there is always another battle to fight on another day.

If we all rise up for something, the ripples of change will become a tidal wave. The system will change for those who are in it now and for those who need services from  the system in the future. 

Just a friendly reminder, if you choose to rise up for an issue, you become a leader, not a follower. I was once where some of you are now, and I would like to thank those who paved the way for me to become the advocate I am today. I'm doing what they did for me and passing the knowledge on to you.