Advocacy Education

Requirements for Acceptance into the Course
Advocacy Unlimited's Advocacy Education Course is open to any Connecticut adult age 18 or older with, or in recovery from, a psychiatric disability. Advocacy Unlimited selects individuals who have a strong commitment to the growth of the consumer movement in Connecticut -- people who are willing to take their place as consumer leaders in their communities.

From the class applications received or on file, applicants are contacted and interviews scheduled.

Potential students must:

Have, or be in recovery from, a psychiatric disability and be willing to disclose.
Commit to attending the one day per week classes for the duration of the 14 week semester, and complete all homework assignments. They must be able to arrange transportation to these classes.
Commit to the six month Community Service Commitment -- six hours per week for six months at an agency, organization, or clubhouse in their local area, serving as advocates and providing support for other individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Attend the bimonthly meetings held every other month on a Saturday.

The education process includes:

Fourteen classroom sessions - one five to six-hour session per week for fourteen consecutive weeks.
Ongoing support and guidance by telephone, mail, fax, email, and in-person.
Bimonthly meetings for added support and skill building after successfully graduating from the course.
An annual Advocates' Retreat and educational workshops for continued growth and networking with other advocates across the state.

Students receive a modest stipend to pay for travel and lunch expenses at each class. For the students who successfully complete the 14 week Advocacy Education Course, a graduation ceremony is held and graduating students are each presented with a certificate.

If you are interested in applying for the Advocacy Education Course, you can complete and submit our Online Application form.

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