Training Tracks: Teens Weigh In
Jason Smierciak of Self-Advocacy Voices, University of Pittsburgh Visiting Lecturer Alonna Carter-Donaldson, and FOTT member Brandon Carter joined a group of FC teens on Monday for a discussion about disability history and advocacy. Members of FC’s Teen Leadership Board wrote questions beforehand and participants broke out into small groups to help facilitate the conversation. Jason shared his perspective on disclosing his disability to employers in order to ensure that he can act authentically and be accepted in the workplace. Alonna spoke about five black disability advocates that were integral to The Intersection of Race and Disability Project and advancing the rights for black Pittsburghers with disabilities: Henry C. Bell, Marilyn McKinney, Milton Henderson, Florence Reed, and Maurika Moore.
Several FC teens shared with us their takeaways from the event.
Alex: “I thought that it was very educational. I learned a lot about how to stick up for others and myself and what makes an advocate an advocate.”
Rivka: “I felt that everyone came with intention and purpose… Jason wants people to ask him questions. He wants to be seen as not just a member of society, but somebody that can 100% contribute to society. He wants to be more understood.”
Jacob: “I liked that the discussion was about race and disability… Alonna highlighted that one of the main reasons people decide to advocate is when a relationship is present (e.g. her brother). I realized it’s probably similar with friends.”
Bracha: “If you have a passion or love for something, actually do it; don’t just push it away. Go for what you love.”
Thank you to our speakers and attendees for making this such an engaging and important discussion!
New Member Night
On Wednesday, we had a chance to get to know our friends that have recently joined Friendship Circle! We had a great evening together as we played a Fun Fact game, created Acrostic Poems using our names and enjoyed a delicious Ice Cream Sundae Bar! It was so nice to see older FC friends welcome in our new FC members. We can’t wait to continue to grow these new friendships!
Dance Club
Keeping to the “Colors” theme for this year’s Dance Club, members wore red and learned a choreography for Red by Taylor Swift, led by Hana and Kaelyn from the Movement Exchange at Pitt. Long time FC volunteer and friend Jan Engleberg joined us to teach some cheers and we ended the session by showing off our favorite dance moves! Thanks to everyone for moving and grooving in your own way!
