Advocates help individuals identify and pursue their goals, building self-confidence and independence.
What is Citizen Advocacy?
What We Do
At Citizen Advocacy Auckland, we are committed to promoting equality and justice for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We facilitate connections between individuals with intellectual disabilities and volunteer advocates who assist them in achieving their goals and participating fully in community life. Citizen advocacy also aims to increase people’s safety and limit their risk of abuse or neglect. We match individuals with intellectual disabilities with citizen advocates. We provide extensive training and ongoing support to ensure the success of these partnerships. Through citizen advocacy, individuals with intellectual disabilities gain a voice, build self-confidence, and establish meaningful connections within their communities.
Our Impact: Building Stronger Communities Through Advocacy
At Citizen Advocacy Auckland, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a full and valued life. We achieve this by connecting individuals with intellectual disabilities with dedicated volunteer advocates who provide essential support and foster meaningful, lasting relationships.
How We Make a Difference:
We focus on reaching individuals who are most vulnerable, often those with limited or no natural supports (family or friends). Our team carefully matches them with volunteer advocates who share their interests and can offer consistent support and friendship. This partnership empowers individuals to:
Live more independently
Connect with their community
Advocates facilitate access to local resources, activities, and social networks, promoting inclusion and belonging.
Exercise their rights and make informed choices
Advocates provide information, explore options, and empower individuals to make their own decisions. This includes advocating for their rights, supporting self-advocacy, and assisting with accessing essential services.
Navigate challenges and access support
Advocates can help with accessing disability supports and resources, government assistance (e.g., WINZ), and legal services. They can also assist with navigating educational and employment settings, advocating for reasonable adjustments when needed. Importantly, advocates can help identify and address situations of violence, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and support individuals in making complaints.
The Power of Partnership:
Our volunteer advocates become trusted friends and confidantes, offering companionship and support in navigating life’s complexities. They help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and participate more fully in their communities.
Our Reach:
We are proud to be part of the Citizen Advocacy movement, making a tangible difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities throughout Auckland. We witness the positive impact of these partnerships every day, building stronger, more inclusive communities for all.
How It Works
Our team carefully matches individuals with intellectual disabilities with volunteer advocates who share their interests and can provide meaningful support. We also work to connect people with their local communities and empower them to make their own choices, we believe in the power of connection and community. That’s why we carefully match individuals with intellectual disabilities with volunteer advocates who share their interests and can provide meaningful support.
Matching
1
Our coordinator works closely with individuals and potential advocates to find the perfect match. We consider factors like personality, interests, and location to ensure a strong and supportive partnership.
Advocacy
2
Volunteer advocates provide friendship, guidance, and support to their matched individual. They help them achieve their goals, navigate challenges, and build a stronger sense of belonging in their community.
Volunteer Support
3
We provide ongoing training and support to our volunteer advocates to ensure they have the knowledge and resources they need to be effective in their roles.
Unpaid and Independent
4
Our advocates are unpaid volunteers who are committed to social justice. They act independently, ensuring the individual’s needs and choices are always at the forefront.
Who we support
Citizen Advocacy Auckland primarily supports individuals with intellectual disabilities who:
- Experience social and economic vulnerability: This may include facing challenges with accessing essential services, navigating complex systems, or experiencing social isolation.
- Are aged 18 or older: We focus on supporting adults within the Auckland region.
- Have limited or no natural support: This means they may have limited or no family or friends who can provide consistent support and advocacy.
If you believe you or someone you know may benefit from Citizen Advocacy, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
Additional Support
While our primary focus is on long-term matches, we also recognize the need for more immediate support. In certain situations, we can offer:
- Short-term advocacy: For individuals facing temporary challenges or needing assistance with specific issues.
- Crisis advocacy: In situations where urgent support is required.
- Information and guidance: For families of individuals with intellectual disabilities seeking support or navigating challenges.
We are committed to providing a range of support options to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families within our community.
