2021 Conference Recap
Welcome self-advocates, friends, family members and allies. The week after the Speaking Up For Us Conference and Annual Meeting is always a week of continued celebration and reflection. As we look back at all the accomplishments of self-advocates and reflect on the journey of the last 12 months, we also look forward to the next 12 months of continued work in self-advocacy.
We are so thankful for those that joined us for our conference this year. We had a variety of workshops to choose from and will continue some of those trainings in the next few months. Whether it was Internet Safety, Communication, or talking about the ADA and our rights, we call came away with something to better our lives.
A special thank you to Nancy Cronin from the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council for being our Keynote speaker on Tuesday. Nancy shared with us the unveiling of the new website Out of the Shadows. We had an opportunity to do a tour of the website with Nancy that shows not only the history of Pineland, but also where we are today and how we are living our lives in the community. If you haven't had a chance to view the website, we recommend it!
Below you will find the award winners for 2021 Speaking Up For Us Conference.
2021 Speaking Up For Us Conference Annual Awards
Marcia Rosen Award Winners

Some of our chapters have chosen to give out awards to one member of their group for going above and beyond over the last year.
From Springvale, Walter Goodale was chosen. Walter attends meetings consistently and is always ready to participate with a smile.

From Bangor, Sarah Trites was chosen. Sarah joins the Bangor chapter from another area of the state but has been a consistent member of the chapter. Sarah suggests great topics for the group to discuss.

The Presque Isle Chapter chose MaryAnn Swank. MaryAnn has been an inspiration to many in her chapter and around the state as she has returned to school and learned to read.

In Houlton the chapter chose Joshua Lezotte. Joshua comes to the chapter ready to participate and asks great questions. The chapter appreciates his enthusiasm.

Our Caribou chapter chose Georgia West. Georgia has been an example to others in speaking up for herself and what she wants in her life.
2021 Directors Choice Award Winners
Each year Monique gives out two directors choice awards to self-advocates who have gone above and beyond in self-advocacy. Margaret and Michael have been part of work groups for the state of Maine and have been speaking up in those groups. We thank them for representing self-advocates for the entire state of Maine.
2021 Paige Barton Award Winner

This year's Paige Barton Award Winner is Maryann Preble. Maryann is a fierce self-advocate and has been able to attend every chapter over the last year. She has been an encouragement to all self-advocates over the last year to keep speaking up, so their voice is heard. Maryann recently said "My voice counts just like everyone else I want people to hear what I have to say. Other self-advocates are starting to speak up and I want their voices to be heard." Congratulations Maryann!
Outgoing Members of the Board of Directors

A special thank you was given to the three self-advocates who have completed two terms on the board of directors and will be taking a year off. We thank them for their hard work over the last six years. Thank you again to Chris Heywood, Robbie Garland, and outgoing chair Abbott Philson.
New and Re-elected Members to the Board of Directors
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.
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Contact: Laurie Coldwell
Program Coordinator and Administrator (207) 956-1004 / Ext. 4
lcoldwell@sufumaine.org
SUFU CONNECTOR
Speaking Up For Us of Maine
207-956-1004

www.sufumaine.org