Our purpose is to provide support for advocates with disabilities to learn about their rights and to offer support and services to increase confidence and competence. The participants set the agenda for the year as a group, and the two advisors assist in implementing the plan and evaluating it for feasibility. Through this group, many people with disabilities have learned to exercise their rights with support, recognize abuse, discuss employment oppotunities, and choose community-based activities for socialization. The main mission of the group is to teach self-advocacy skills and to be effective advocates by applying those skills in the community.We started the group in 2014 because it was apparent that participation in once a year self-advocacy conferences was not intensive enough to teach skills that are essential to advocate for oneself. By providing consistent support,  education, and social oppotunities within the community, we have empowered our group members to become more included in the activities, events and resources available in our community. We have seen tremendous growth in our members, and engagement in the community has increased confidence and competency but has also educated the community about the strengths and skills of our members.