Coalition Rally and Advocacy Day in Richmond - 1.21.13

Coalition Rally and Advocacy Day

at the

Bell Tower on Capitol Square in Richmond

I have known about the Coalition Rally and Advocacy Day for many years now, but this was the first time I was able to attend thanks to The Arc of South Hampton Roads. I was so excited to be there amongst my peers in the disabled community!

It was beautiful weather, which is rare for Richmond in January. The sunlight lifted up our spirits even further. Luckily there wasn't a harsh wind either. We were blessed to have such a fine day, because the next day the temperature dropped.

I arrived on a tour sized bus along with my fellow local advocates, as we were pulling up the bell on the Bell Tower was already ringing. For some reason that gave me a joyful feeling for the day ahead.

A small band was playing happy rallying tunes to further pump the spirits of the crowd up. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face when watching all different types of people with disabilities dancing and laughing to the music.

It was exhilarating to see so many long time friends gathered in one place. It was also a wonderful opportunity to make some new friends too! I'm a big believer in, “It's not what you know, it's who you know.” So hopefully my Social Network grew a little bit larger because of the rally yesterday.

There were so many fabulous speakers. Some delegates, people representing mental health services, advocacy organizations and self-advocates were there. I was honored to speak on behalf of VAULT. I'm a board member of the first cross-disability advocacy group in the state, Virginia Advocates United Leading Together. There were so many voices that wanted to speak but there was not enough time. I'm so glad that so many people wanted to speak out. So many strong self-advocates is a sign of a bright future for all.

After the rally, the energetic crowd headed up the hill to do what they traveled all that way for; to advocate for themselves and loved ones, so the delegates knew for sure to listen to our voice!

Highlights of the day:

Telling a legislator about a fact he did not know:

People on medicaid can't get married.

The look on his face was interesting. I knew my point dug in deep.
(I mean they can, but they'll loose Medicaid)

Embarrassed by tracking mud into the Senators and delegate's offices. Doing my spiel and when apologizing for the mud and hearing all sweet like in a southern accent, "It's alright, Don't you worry about it." I mean they have maids at night, right? lol!

Being at the General Assembly for an outside rally that is mainly about mental health services THEN discovering gun rights advocates are there too, in the building. I doubt the two groups co-mingled. Sad. Missed opportunity.
…Maybe?

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