Although being a paid worder is not the same as being an independent advocate, it's not unusual for workers to find themselves in a position to help elevate the voice of the person they're working with, or to speak up on the person's behalf. It is helpful to be clear on the role of a worker in advocacy, and to know how to do this type of advocacy well.

You will learn:

What is social advocacy and why is it needed?
What is the role of a paid worker in advocacy?
What are the barriers to advocacy?

The session will include practical strategies for workers to support effective advocacy.

'People often confuse other good things with doing advocacy. Being a good service provider, support worker, case manager, coordinator, change agent, or community development worker is not doing advocacy. However, doing the right thing by people is most important when in such roles. People with disability need good workers who try to ensure that they have a decent life and are not harmed'

from Promote, Protect, Defend, produced by Mary Kenny and Jan Dyke, 2004

About the Presenter

Jenny Smith was a founding member of Capricorn Citizen Advocacy in Rockhampton and is herself a Citizen Advocate. Jenny is Capricorn Citizen Advocacy's delegate to the Queensland Independent Disability Advocacy Network. She is a former Director of Disability Advocacy Network Australia, and is a former Deputy Chairperson of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council. She has recently worked for Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion as a Decision Support Advocate and an NDIS Appeals Advocate.

Download the flyer here (pdf)

Who should attend?

This webinar is for workers in the disability sector.

This webinar will be recorded and available to view up to 14 days after the event. Please register individually if you would like to access the recording.

About CRU:

For over 35 years, Community Resource Unit has been working across Queensland to help people with disability take control of their lives and take their place in their community.

Please contact CRU if you require assistance to register, attend or participate in this event. p. 07 3844 2211 or e. cru@cru.org.au.