The Connector
Speaking Up For Us of Maine
In This Issue:
  • Disability Awareness Day at the Statehouse
  • Jon's Corner
  • Chapter Happenings
  • Statewide Meetings
Disability Awareness Day at the Statehouse

On February 29th, SUFU Staff and some self-advocates traveled to the statehouse to participate in Disability Awareness Day. This gives an opportunity for interaction with legislators and bring awareness to the work we are all working on. Pictured at the SUFU table are Chris Heywood, Marco Orlando, Rose Belanger and Cindy Theilen. Also attending but not pictured are Brian Harnish, Monique Stairs, Ruth Budris and Laurie Coldwell.
Jon's Corner

Next week on March 5th is an opportunity to go vote in the Primary. Voting is a big part of everybody’s life. You can vote on who you think would do a good job and might do the right thing.  
Your Vote, Every Vote counts. That’s what matters.  Remember to get out the Vote.
You can search for the candidates online and know what would be on the ballot. You can look that up at www.vote411.org
Last year Brian Harnish and I were interviewed and recorded a video about why we vote. You might say to yourself why do I need to vote? Does it really matter I, Jon, vote every year because it’s my duty to the country.  I want to say who represents me  When Brian was asked why he votes it was because of the history of Disability in this country. For a long period of time people with Disabilities couldn’t get to the polling places to vote.  
Here is the interview that Brian and I were part of: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsX9SrrO9VU

Remember Your Voice Counts when you go and Vote. Voting is important to you!
Chapter Happenings

Chapters have been busy over the last month as members learn in their meetings, discuss topics that are important to them and plan for the future.
Our York County Chapter has been meeting once a month at the Sanford Public Library and discussed how they speak up for themselves. In addition they talked about visiting an accessible trail in the warmer months.
Western Foothills also discussed what self-advocacy is and how it applies to their lives.
In our Discussion and Action chapter members were discussing their futures and learning about Advanced Directives. This was an opportunity for members to learn about what an Advanced Directive is and have conversations with their family members about their lives.
Northern Penobscot, Downeast Washington County, Southern Aroostook and Central Aroostook have all had planning meetings where they shared ideas of what they would like to see happen in their chapters in the coming months.

Statewide Meetings Are Back



Our Statewide Meetings have restarted at 1:00 pm on Zoom. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/911978966


March Calendar
March 5 - Legislative Advocacy - Social Security Reform and Marriage Equality
March 12 - Guest Lisa Cline
March 19 - Legislative Advocacy
March 26 - Disability Pride Month

Please note that there will no statewide on April 9th.
Finally

We invite you to check out our website . Read our most recent blog post and subscribe to future blogs. You can also find the list of our chapter meetings, or follow us on Facebook. If you are a SUFU member we want you to join our members only Facebook Group. To do that please email Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern. We don't want you to miss anything.
Have an Idea for Something to be in The Connector?
Contact: Laurie Coldwell
Program Manager (207) 956-1004 / Ext. 1
lcoldwell@sufumaine.org
SUFU CONNECTOR
Speaking Up For Us of Maine
207-956-1004

www.sufumaine.org