Self-Advocacy PDF Print E-mail

"I did not even know what self-advocacy was until I started at Merrick two years ago.  Since then I have become a leader in my own right.  I participated in the eight month Partners in Policymaking leadership course, was involved in the Institutions to Independence TPT documentary, and served on the Advocating for Change (ACT) Board.  I was told early on in life that I could not do many things.  Since being at Merrick, I have learned to DREAM BIG and that my dreams can come true."----Mary Raasch.

Shooting Stars - Merrick Self-Advocacy Group Information and Meeting Schedule

Merrick, Inc., is considered an industry leader in the State of Minnesota, in part, due to our commitment to self-advocacy. In 1997, six self-advocates started the initial Putting People 1st group hosted at Merrick. Today, there are five self-advocacy groups that meet weekly with 125 active members that refer to themselves as the "Shooting Stars - Merrick". Annually, each group elects officers and staff advisors from Merrick provide an auxiliary role. For many years now, self-advocates have made countless presentations to schools, civic organizations, disability groups, conferences, and workshops. Self-advocates believe that self-advocacy is not just an activity or something that happens in a group, if you are speaking up for yourself – you ARE a self-advocate. It is a life-changing experience.

Merrick, Inc. is well known for providing opportunities for self-advocates to soar to new heights and self-advocates have focused their efforts in the following 4 areas:

  • Public Awareness
  • Legislative Efforts
  • Voter Rights
  • Serving on boards, committees, workgroups

2011 Highlights:

  • During 2011, 125 clients regularly participated in one of the five self-advocacy groups at Merrick.
  • 25 self-advocates met with 13 legislators during three Capitol visits in the 2011 session.  
  • Over 50 self-advocates attended the ACT Self-Advocacy Conference in St. Paul, MN.
  • Completed work on the anti-bullying program, Ambassador of Respect, designed for school-age children.
  • A self-advocate attended the national Alliance For Full Participation Summit in Baltimore.
  • Began an off-site self-advocacy group.

As a result of our efforts in this area, Merrick, Inc. has developed an extensive resource library on self-advocacy related materials and has produced four videotapes on different aspects of self-advocacy. Please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

To know more about self-advocacy or the Shooting Stars group, please contact Roberta Blomster - Self-Advocate at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Katie McDermott - Self-Advocate at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or contact Colleen Timbers - Program Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it