EMPOWERMENT

By Elise Olsen Who You Are

Pride Poetry

Coming out can be hard. Once you do it you'll feel free, you can be who you want to be. Only you can make choices that are right for you. You are free to be who you are. Everyone should say I'm free to be me. Everyone has the right to be themselves. Love who you are, love who you love.

Coming out is a journey and everyone has their own. Trust me, it's true; just be you. Don't be scared to be who you are P.R.I.D.E

P is for pride, R is for respect, I is for individuality, D is for driven, E is for expression. Don't change for anyone, but you can change for yourself if you want to, it's your choice, speak up by using your voice. We're here for each other and can help when you need it. Don't let anyone put you down. Be confident in who you are, you are like a star. Everyone has their own journey. Coming out takes time, don't force it. P is for patient, R is for responsible, I is for independent, D is for determined, E is for encouraging.

Love Is Love

Love who you love. Don't be afraid to show your true self to the world. Stand up for what you believe in. Don't worry, we stand united. You are not alone. Be proud of who you are. Love is love. Love yourself. Embrace who you are. We are all in this together forever

Just be you, this I know is true. All of us are made to find love and be loved by anyone. Always be kind, say this to yourself in your mind.

Love is love. Love has no rules until you make it. Have pride inside you. Show off your uniqueness.

All Poems by Elise Olson

DEI Ambassadors Leading the Journey to Kindness! By Jerri

Walker

Earlier in 2022, a committee was formed titled, DEI Ambassadors. Agency advisors, Colleen Tapia, Bridget Cariello, and Jerri Walker along with ten self-advocate leaders, Michele Rudoff, Steven Barsh, Jessica Campbell, Coleen Mackin, Elise Olsen, John Buley-Newmar, Cheryl Cohen, Debra Grupp, Anthony Rossi, and Noah Probert met to share information about diversity, equity, and inclusion, which we refer to as DEI.

Through weekly meetings, thoughtful discussions that focused on learning about personal lived experiences as well as the experiences of others. There was great dialogue and members gained deeper insights and new knowledge. Our final project was the creation of a handbook A Beginner’s Guide to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The guide is now complete and is available at www.ahrc.org/beginnersguidetoDEI

The guide will support the DEI Ambassadors in their training/education of others on this important subject matter. For 2023, we expect to reapply to the DDPC for grant funds to host a DEI conference geared to creating a more compassionate and equitable world.

Systems Advocacy!

Please join our systems advocacy movement and make your voice heard. You can go to https://www.thearcny.org for the most up to date advocacy initiatives and how to get involved.