Committee of Advocacy & Leadership (COAL)

What is COAL?

COAL stands for the Committee of Advocacy & Leadership. COAL is a person-first group for and by people supported by Opportunity Partners who want to learn, teach and practice self-advocacy.

Who can Participate in COAL?

Anyone who receives services from Opportunity Partners can join! Staff, family members and friends of people served are encouraged to be allies to COAL participants.

How do I Join COAL?

If you are a person who is supported by Opportunity Partners, you can join our advocacy group, which is called the Committee of Advocacy and Leadership (COAL).

You can join COAL by sending an email or asking an OP staff member, family member or friend to send an email to COAL@opportunities.org.

What is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy means speaking up for yourself. Self-advocacy is also a movement of people with disabilities across the country – and around the world – who work together to make sure their voices are heard, valued and respected.

Who are Self-Advocates?

Within the disability rights and justice movement, self-advocates are leaders with disabilities. There are many self-advocates served by Opportunity Partners. Some self-advocates have been involved in politics and others are more focused on advocating in their homes or at work. Self-advocates are sometimes supported by allies who do not have disabilities.

Does COAL Attend Advocacy Events?

Participants learn about self-advocacy throughout the year and have the opportunity to attend the annual Disability Services Day at the Minnesota State Capitol. In 2015, COAL was given the 2015 Nonprofit Mission award in the category of Advocacy. COAL was recognized for its person-centered approach to engaging people with disabilities in legislative and self-advocacy efforts.

If you are a person who is supported by Opportunity Partners, you can join our advocacy group, which is called the Committee of Advocacy and Leadership (COAL). To join COAL, contact COAL@opportunities.org.