People First of Wyoming Cheyenne Chapter Holds Public Inclusive October Meeting

Cheyenne, Wyoming -- The People First of Wyoming Cheyenne Chapter held its monthly meeting at the Cheyenne Family YMCA October 11. People First of Wyoming is a group that advocates on behalf of adults with disabilities. Here's more about the People First of Wyoming meeting in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The weather outside was inclement, but a number of people still managed to overcome the cold weather and icy roads to discuss various issues.

People First of Wyoming Cheyenne Chapter Meeting: People First Statewide Annual Conference and Mega Conference 2009 Discussed

Chapter Secretary Earl Leighan announced that he had made $57 (after having the money counted out) from the buttons he made and sold (the latter with the help of a woman named Agnes) at the People First statewide annual conference held in Sheridan, Wyoming last month and the Mega 2009 Conference in Casper, Wyoming that took place earlier this week. After the Basic Rules, minutes of the September meeting, and treasurer's report were read, the members discussed what they liked best about the statewide annual People First Conference in the "Old Business" part of the meeting. Audience member Sarah commented on how well the dance went, with the people having a good time mingling and dancing together. Audience member David Friedberg said, "I learned self-advocacy: Stand up for yourself. Don't be monkey see, monkey do." Friedberg also said he enjoyed the picnic and the presentation of Rich Gannon. Leighan was congratulated for being elected to a 3 year position of Sergeant-at-Arms for People First of Wyoming at that conference.

For New Business, the upcoming People First Christmas Party was discussed, in which it was agreed that anyone coming should bring $15 and that the exchanging of gifts would be limited to $5 each with the drawing of names to take place next month. The board advised the attendees to start saving up their money for future events, including next year's People First Statewide Annual Conference to be held in Laramie, Wyoming. A free healthy relationship conference call to be held at the People First office in Cheyenne, Wyoming November 2 was also announced.

The next thing discussed amongst the crowd of 11 people was their impressions of the Mega Conference 2009 held earlier this week in Casper, Wyoming, and which you can read more about at Associated Content here and here. David Friedberg was impressed with the speaking of day one keynoter Derrick Dufresne, who admonished his audience to make 2 contacts a day in order to find a really good friend, but that it could take 1000 contacts before achieving that quest. Secretary Earl Leighan was captivated by the lovable therapy dog named Kodi, who attended both full days of the Mega Conference 2009.

The meeting ended with another discussion amongst the People First of Cheyenne Chapter board and audience about how they came to live on their own. People briefly shared their stories about what led them to achieve this important milestone, especially for people with disabilities. It was noted that several people there are homeowners, and that they had a good support system to help make the transition to independent living.

For more information about People First of Wyoming, contact Tammy Gamino at 307-432-4033. The Cheyenne, Wyoming office is at 1623 Central Ave. in the Downtown Office Suites. The website is in the "Resources" box.