People First of Southeastern South Dakota formed in October of 2005, when people from this region of the state got together at Morningside Community Center to discuss forming a self-advocacy group.  Since then, the group has grown to over 80 members from Sioux Falls, Brookings, Madison, and other towns in the area. 

Things We Discuss and Learn:

 

Self-advocacy

Rights

EVERYTHING!

Abuse and Neglect--"It's Not Ok"

How to run a meeting

Guardianship

Friends Community Ed

Other organizations for people with disabilities

Public Speaking

Elections and voting

Designing a website

Making connections with other members of the community

Buliding relationships

Making friends

Things We've Planned and Done:

 

People First Festival:  Dinner and Dance

People First Day at the Canaries: baseballs, hats, friends, food and fun (and some "fun"draising)

People First Regional Education Workshop: Breakout sessions on Community Safety, How to Run a Meeting, Advocacy and Guardianship, and Community Education.

Met with people from the USD Center for Disabilities.

Met with a member of the South Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities.