What is a citizen advocate?     Representing the rights or interests of someone other than oneself; resolving a problem on an individual basis.  A valued citizen who is unpaid and independent of human services creates a relationship with a person who is at risk of social exclusion; the citizen advocate chooses one or several of many ways to understand, respond to, and represent that person's interests as if they were the advocate's own, thus bringing the partner's gifts and concerns into the circles of ordinary community life.

I wouldn't know how to do that.  How do advocates know what to do?      Most people know much more about getting things done than they think.  Our coordinator will help them and we know people who can give answers when things are complicated.

Oh, is it like Big Brothers Big Sisters only for people with disabilities?      Similar - but the focus is on action on behalf of someone and we strive for long term...sometimes lifelong relationships.

Who supports you?     Funding for La Crosse Citizen Advocacy comes thru private donations from community members, area companies, fundraising events ie: Irishfest tea garden, Heritage night food booth, volunteer at Rotary Lights and thru successful grants.

Are you part of the county?      No, to provide advocacy we need to be indpendent of organizations that provide services.

How do you hear about people? Do you take referrals?       When a community member is concerned and contacts us we will look at the situation.  So, that is a referral from a community member.  We do not take referrals from social service agencies.