Supporting Advocates in Leadership (SAL)

Supporting Advocates in Leadership (SAL) is dedicated to empowering adults with diversabilities to become leaders in their own lives and in their community.

Based in Nanaimo, BC SAL offers one-on-one and group, solution-focused advocacy and leadership support to its participants. Through SAL’s programs like the Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN) and the Learning Circle, participants come together to talk about things that are important to them, learn, share and increase awareness about self advocacy to the wider community.Founded on the belief in the “power of every voice”, SAL provides support and guidance for those seeking to create positive change, understanding and inclusivity for all.

What We Do

Advocacy

Solution-focused advocacy support to create impactful change.

Leadership

Creating strong community leaders through leadership development.

Peer Mentorship

Participants of SAL support each other through peer mentoring.

Who We Are

Supporting Advocates in Leadership (SAL) provides individual and group advocacy support for adults with diversabilities. SAL services include self advocacy meetings, learning circles, self advocate presentations to local, national and international audiences and self advocacy films, booklets, stories, letters and more.

SAL empowers individuals with diversabilities to take charge of their lives and become leaders in their communities.

Funded by Community Living BC, SAL is a referral based agency. Referrals to SAL are made through Community Living BC, Nanaimo.

Advocacy

SAL provides solution-focused advocacy support to empower adults with diversabilities to use their voice, seek solutions, take action and advocate for themselves and others.

Community Inclusion

SAL helps create opportunities for its participants to fully participate in community life through supporting and bridging access to services, housing, education, employment and social activities.

How We Work

Referral, Meet & Greet, Intake

Adults with diversabilities living in Nanaimo are referred to SAL by Community Living BC.

SAL conducts a meet-and-greet with the participant.

We meet with new participants to identify their strengths, challenges and goals.

Working Together

We work alongside participants to develop a personalized plan for growth, support and leadership development.

Support

We offer ongoing one-on-one and group solution-focused advocacy, peer mentorship and leadership support to nurture personal growth and development.

Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN)

Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN) was formed in 2014 with support of SAL. SAN is a platform for people to have a voice and to learn how to take positive action. SAN provides opportunities for advocacy, mentorship, education and community building. SAN meets monthly to discuss things important to us. Find out more about SAN here: Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN)

What Participants Are Saying

SAL has given me confidence to speak up for myself and others. Everyone has a right to use their voice and deserves respect.

-BA

SAL helps me use my voice, ask for help, set boundaries and connect with friends. Take the “t” off can’t!

-CC

SAL listens to me and teaches me to speak up. I’m learning how to stand up for myself and do things in my life.

-CJ

SAL helps me learn advocacy and leadership skills. The people at SAL helped me apply for inclusive education that led to a job I love.

-MO

SAL helped me live on my own, make my own decisions and not be afraid to use my voice. You can do it!

-PP

SAL taught me how to use my voice, stand up for myself, set boundaries and ask for help if I need it.

-VP