Advocacy - Corlann

What is advocacy?

The motto of the Corlann National Advocacy Council is: “Nothing about us without us”

Members of the National Advocacy Council have developed 7 core values which should be at the heart of all Advocacy work within the service.

Rights promotion

Learning about our rights as equal and valued citizens. Informing and educating other people about their rights.

Learning and developing skills

Self-Advocacy forms the basis of all Advocacy work. Through involvement in local, regional and national Advocacy people supported can learn and develop skills to advocate for themselves.

Our voice

Actively seeking out and listening to the voice of the person and acting on their wishes, views and concerns.

Making decisions

Making our own decisions and having control of our lives.

Raising awareness

Raising awareness on issues that directly affect people with disabilities.

Influencing others

Using our collective voices to influence policy and decision makers.

Working together

Working with other agencies and groups to help strengthen our voice.

My advocacy story by Claire Nagle Chairperson of the National Advocacy Council

Hi my name is Claire Nagle I am the chairperson of the National Advocacy Council (NAC).

I have been part of the National Advocacy Council for 8 years. Learning about Advocacy was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have worked with so many individuals over the years and have made some great friends.

The reason Advocacy is important to me is because it has given me a voice and this has grown strong over time.

I have learned about my rights and choices, and I ensure these are respected. One thing that Advocacy has taught me was; how to help be good advocate and to help others. When we work in partnership we succeed, we are stronger together.

I have accomplished opportunities over recent years, paid work in Advocacy, presenting, co-training, inducting new staff and being paid to be on the interview panel. I have worked with Inclusion Ireland on a project for the UNCRPD. I have gained great experience.

What I would like to do now is encourage people to get involve in Advocacy, it will empower them in their life. I have many plans for the future. I am looking forward to seeing what the next chapter will bring for me. I won’t be finished with empowering others .

What advocacy means to me by Pat Flaherty Vice Chairperson of the National Advocacy Council

Hello, my name is Pat Flaherty, and I am the current elected National Advocacy Vice Chairperson.

This is what Advocacy means to me. It is using your voice, words, pictures, your own communication tools and signs to express what you want, to speak up for you rights and the rights of others.

It is Important to be part of an Advocacy group as it gives you the opportunity to change things in our community or Service for the better. Together we need to raise awareness of what barriers need to be removed to make people more independent, have access to their community and job opportunities.

I encourage everyone to get involved in Advocacy as opportunities can happen if you are active. In my opinion Advocacy Works.

The national advocacy council

The National Advocacy Council (NAC) was set up in 1999. The purpose of the NAC is to make sure that Directors, Managers and other stakeholders hear the voices of people supported by Corlann.

Who we are

We are a group of Advocates elected by our peers who are supported by Corlann, in the Clare, Limerick, West Region (Galway and Roscommon), South East (Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford) and South Region (Cork and Kerry)

What we do

We are a national voice for people supported by the Service.
We represent every person supported by Corlann.
We represent people supported on national and regional platforms e.g. Inclusion Ireland, Fedvol, county councils, local and national politicians.
The NAC meets the National Leadership Team of Corlann twice a year to highlight issues brought forward by regional Advocacy groups.
We work with other Advocacy groups and organisations.

Corlann NAC annual conference

Every year one region is responsible for hosting the Corlann National Advocacy Conference. The conference highlights many of the achievements of Advocates from regions across the country. It is also a platform to highlight issues directly affecting people supported by Corlann. The conference is also a great opportunity to meet other advocates from around the country and hear what is happening in other regions.