Congratulations to the winners of our 2019
BC People First Advocacy & Leadership Awards!
President’s Award ~ Jerry Laidlaw
Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award ~ Kara Anderson
We look forward to presenting the awards in person to Kara and a member of Jerry’s family as soon as we are able to. All of our events are on hold right now due to the coronavirus pandemic but we still want to share news of the winners with you all.
BCPF President, Jo-Anne Gauthier, selected Jerry Laidlaw for our 2019 President’s Award in honour of his memory and the legacy he has left inspiring self-advocates throughout his lifetime. Jerry was a person who never gave up. He had a big heart and always kept his head up proud. He inspired others to stay positive and never give up on their dreams. He taught us all that our rights and needs should never be forgotten. He will always be with us because we have learned so much from him.
Our 2019 Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award is by nomination and has been awarded to Kara Anderson. Kara was nominated by Eve Reinarz and Gwen Harmen for so many reasons – she is a is a fearless leader and strong voice in advocating, presenting and sharing her story with organizations, government and the community at large about navigating life and society as a person with diversability. She is an admirable advocate on how to access services and resources and shape legislation. She reminds people how important it is to learn to advocate for yourself and others. This past year, Kara sat on several boards, committees and organizations including the Self Advocates of Nanaimo (SAN); Community Council (CLBC); Advisory Committee, Community Support Worker/Educational Assistant Programs at Vancouver Island University (VIU); and is a Resource Parent at the Family Support Institute of BC (FSIBC), just to name a few. Kara also works as a professional workshop presenter for “Welcome Workshops” at CLBC and “People Planning Together” at ESATTA and presents throughout B.C.
To everyone else nominated, good luck next year! Nominations for the 2020 Self-Advocate Leadership of the Year Award will be open in January 2021. This award showcases the importance of advocacy and encourages all self-advocates to continue to lead and to be inspired. Winners are selected following a decision process and receive a $200 honorarium award (to assist in approved BCPF advocacy efforts) and a plaque. Any Self-Advocate labelled with an intellectual disability living in British Columbia is eligible for this award after being nominated by a peer, colleague, or support worker.
This on BC People First website click here
