Everyone has a history and this is the history of the South Region Self-Advocacy Network (SRSAN)…

….In 2001, thirty eight people were given a great opportunity to take the leadership course given by the Leadership Today Society of Alberta. After the training, everyone believed that a regional group should continue to meet. A meeting, of the thirty eight people and Persons with Developmental Disabilities – South Alberta Board (PDD South), happened and they talked about a name, where to meet, when to meet, how often to meet, problems to work out, and possible future items to talk about. They met a second time and SRSAN was formed. They began to meet every three months in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Crowsnest Pass.

Now, SRSAN is a group of self advocates and allies that meet five times per year to talk about issues that impact individuals with developmental disabilities, help to create positive change in their communities, connect with others across the region as well as provincially and to help others to learn more about leadership skills. Since they meet more, they now meet in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Crowsnest Pass, Taber, and Brooks. By rotating the meetings to the other communities across the south region, it gives everyone the opportunity to see the other communities and the great work they do, but also it provides an opportunity to those that are unable to travel long distances or simply that do not have specialized transportation to go out of town.  

On June 5 & 6, 2008, the SRSAN members and supporting members came together for the first retreat of SRSAN. It was a chance to reflect, renew, and refresh. That was exactly what the participants did. It also was a time to review SRSAN’s mission, vision, and values. A new mission, vision,  values, and goals for the next two years were established. It was a lot of hard work and fun to do! 

The network has fifty nine (59) voting members, seventeen (17) Supporting members and a mail out that goes to about one hundred and twenty (120) people. If you are interested in joining SRSAN, please fill out the Membership Form and send it to the address listed at the bottom of the form. Membership costs $5.00 per person and needs to be paid for each year in September.  

By becoming a member, you :

• Support SRSAN to achieve its mission and vision.

• Have a voice on issues at the SRSAN meetings.

• Have the opportunity to learn leadership skills at SRSAN meetings.

• Receive SRSAN meeting minutes and information on upcoming training, conferences, and self advocacy/leadership information.

• Receive the “Ripple” Newsletter which is put together by self advocates.

• Receive a conference registration discount for the annual conference in October of each year.