Arc Alliance Self Advocacy Group
The Arc of Monroe is an inspiring organization supporting people who are living their lives with an unprecedented focus on POSSIBILITIES!
Arc Alliance Self Advocacy
Arc Alliance is a self advocacy group organized by The Arc of Monroe that is comprised of people with disabilities. The group meets monthly to talk about the latest issues that people with disabilities face in their communities, as well as practical solutions to bring meaningful change.
In 2023, the incredible efforts of this group were recognized statewide as Arc Alliance was named Group of the Year for both the Western/Finger Lakes Region and New York State by the Self Advocacy Association of New York State (SANYS).
Want to get involved?
The group is open to anyone in the greater Rochester area! Members do not need to receive services from The Arc of Monroe to be part of Arc Alliance. Email Bekka Fifield to learn about how to join.
2024 Goals & Discussion Topics
All goals and discussion subjects are planned out by Arc Alliance members and staff leaders to engage attendees and the community in healthy discussion about issues and topics surrounding people with disabilities. Some examples for 2024 include:
- Learning about The Arc of Monroe’s advocacy goals
- Common language about disability
- Law enforcement
- Learning about the legal process
- Starting/maintaining a business
- Professionalism
- Entering the workforce
- 2024 Presidential election/ Voter registration
- Disability Awareness Month
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Arc of Monroe Contacts
Bekka Fifield
Advocacy Manager
(315) 955-9310
rfifield@arcmonroe.org
Government Representatives
Senator Charles E. Schumer
780 Third Avenue, Suite 2301
New York, NY 10017
Click to Email
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Kenneth B. Keating Federal Office Building
100 State Street
Room 4195
Rochester, NY 14614
Click to Email
Congressman Joseph Morelle
3120 Federal Building
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
Click to Email
Resources
- Advocacy Tool Kit
- NY Alliance Resources
Arc Alliance meets monthly at The Arc of Monroe headquarters and on Zoom. Email Bekka Fifield if you have questions or need the Zoom link.
2060 Brighton Henrietta Townline Rd.
Rochester, NY 14623
(585) 271-0660
Upcoming Events
January 30, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Welcome, 2025 Advocacy Goals
February 27, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
March 27, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
April 24, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
May 29, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
June 26, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
July 31, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
August 28, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
September 25, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
October 30, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
November 20, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
December 18, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
Meet the 2024-2025 Co-Chairs
Every year, the Arc Alliance Co-Chairs work with the group’s Arc of Monroe staff leader to determine what projects to work on, facilitate meetings and advocate in their community. Damon Thomas and Mike Kirchoff were voted to lead the group in 2024 by other members.
Damon Thomas
I started coming to The Arc of Monroe on June 28, 2013. Then in 2017, when someone asked me to join the Arc Alliance, I wanted to see what it was all about. I immediately took an interest and joined that year. Being a Self-Advocate is hard sometimes, but I feel like I was made for it. It’s kind of like fate or destiny brought me to the Arc Alliance. To me, being a Self-Advocate is like being a superhero. It’s like living a double life, like Batman, and I get to be a superhero for people like me.
I’ve been Co-Chair of the Arc Alliance three times before. But I wanted to take a break and have some of the other members take the role. But when Jessica Blondell talked to me and told me I should run again, I knew it was time! I have some different ideas about what I want the Arc Alliance to accomplish this year, and I’m still working some out. But right now, I want to spread the word to more people and see if we can bring in some new members!
One fun fact about me is that I love music. HipHop is my favorite genre, but I can’t just pick one artist as my favorite! I also used to play the guitar for a few years. I’m also part of the band The CAC Rhapsody!
Mike Kirchoff
I started coming to The Arc of Monroe over 20 years ago, around 2000. Then, as soon as the Arc Alliance was formed in 2005, I joined! I wanted to join the self-advocacy group because I wanted to meet new people, have my voice heard and be the voice for other people. My time as a self-advocate has been crazy fun and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I just can’t wait for the future of this group and for myself.
Even though I’ve been a part of the Arc Alliance since its beginning, I’ve never been co-chair. And I was surprised when I was nominated, but so happy. And I’m really glad I’m able to do this with Damon, who’s had a bit of experience doing this before. I’m still working out some ideas that I have for this year’s goals, but I’m excited to see where we go!
One fun fact about me is that I’ve been working at ArcWorks ever since I started coming to The Arc of Monroe. And before me, my grandma and grandpa worked there too!
Arc Alliance in the News
The Arc of Monroe takes Concerns over Budget Proposal to State Capitol
Diverse Abilities Shine at Community Arts Connection Show in Pittsford
New Yorkers with Disabilities Challenged to Understand Ballot Options
More Advocacy Resources from The Arc of Monroe
If you’re interested in learning more about how The Arc of Monroe is leading the way in advocacy efforts for people with disabilities in our region, we invite you to visit our advocacy page. There, you will find information about how to contact your local government representatives, our agency’s stance on various disability issues and how to help empower people in your community to take action.
