I'm Running for Region II Representative at National Council on Independent Living!

Once again, I am running for Region II Representative for the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). In 2008, I lost my bid for Region II Representative by a few votes, but I am determined to run again, and win!

What is NCIL (pronounced "Nickel"), you ask?

NCIL is a membership organization of independent living centers, state independent living councils, groups, and individuals that advances the rights of people with disabilities and independent living. This is done using consumer-driven, grassroots advocacy.

What is a Regional Representative, and what do they do? Here it is straight from NCIL:

"The Regional Representative is the pivotal position in NCIL's communication system with its membership. The Regional Representative is responsible for communicating at least quarterly with NCIL members regarding IL issues and working with any other group interested in pursuing NCIL's goals within his or her respective region. The Regional Reps will assist the NCIL board and committees in building and coordinating grassroots coalition to advance NCIL's advocacy activities. The NCIL Regional Representatives will also assist in the recruitment and retention of NCIL members. The regional representatives will disseminate information related to regional or state advocacy efforts to their regional members."

NCIL is divided into 10 regions across the nation. Region II includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. I am excited and honored to run for this position, and honored that Diane Coleman, Director of Advocacy with the Center for Disability Rights, nominated me for this. Here is the text of the nomination:

2010 Nomination

National Council on Independent Living

Region II Representative

Anita Cameron has been an activist for the rights of people with disabilities for over 20 years. Ms. Cameron is a member of ADAPT, National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), and Not Dead Yet. Over her many years as a leader in the disability community, Ms. Cameron has demonstrated a commitment to grassroots organizing, direct action, civil rights, communication, and diversity. Ms. Cameron embodies many of the values which NCIL embraces.

Ms. Cameron currently lives in Rochester, NY, and works for the Center for Disability Rights. She has lived in Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, among others. Ms. Cameron's father is of Cuban decent and she has family in Puerto Rico. In her work and volunteer activities over the years, Ms. Cameron has:

• Served on and chaired ADA transit advisory committees in major cities
• Written numerous disability rights articles published in both disability and mainstream publications, including the Greeley (CO) Tribune, and Associated Content
• Maintained her own disability rights and social justice blog entitled The Roving Activist
• Served as a strategy team leader in national ADAPT actions pushing for disability civil rights regarding transportation and long term services and supports
• Composed email action alerts on disability issues that generated over 22,000 advocate communications to policy makers in 2009 alone

In our discussions about possibly becoming the representative for Region II, Ms. Cameron expressed sincere excitement about being able to communicate with the NCIL members across New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. She also expressed a desire to work toward greater involvement of the NCIL grassroots in working for the systems changes that will improve the lives of people with disabilities across our nation.

Ms. Cameron would happily seek and communicate input from the disability community in Region II regarding NCIL issues, effective immediately. She has stated that she looks forward to being able to proudly represent the people of Region II.

Now, what happens?

Well, the ballots have been cast, and I am waiting for the results. Though this year I am running unopposed, that is no guarantee of victory. The annual NCIL Conference begins on Monday, July 19, 2010 in Washington, DC, where the official announcement will take place. I will learn the results a few days before so that I will be able to prepare to begin performing my duties.

Sources:

National Council on Independent Living. http://www.ncil.org/