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.
2025 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 2025 include:
- Learning about The Arc of Monroe’s advocacy goals
- Common language about disability
- Independent Living
- OPWDD
- How the news works
- Crime Prevention
- Local Legislators
- Organ Transplant Discrimination in People with IDD
- 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. | Scott Spezzano
March 27, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | OPWDD Presentation from Maria Torgalski
April 24, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Retired Channel 13 News Anchor Don Alhart
May 29, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
June 26, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford
July 31, 2025 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Non-Discrimination for people with IDD in Organ Transplantation with Charlotte Woodward
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. | End of Year Party
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.
Reenie Levy
I have been at The Arc of Monroe for 40 years. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with a learning disability and have been using hearing aids since I was 11-years-old. Now I am lucky enough to be using Cochlear Implants!
I’ve been coming to the Arc Alliance since it was formed in 2005 and this is my second time serving as co-chair. Since 2005, I’ve seen the group continue to grow in size and in strength. I enjoy going to rallies and volunteering with the rest of the members.
One fun fact about me is that I’ve been working with Assemblymember Jen Lunsford on resurrecting a bill that would add a voluntary mark to your ID or driver’s license designating that you have a disability!
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
Encouraging the next generation of potential caregivers in New York
Discussing challenges faced by direct support professionals
Direct support professionals in N.Y. call for higher wages to help staff care for people with disabilities
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.
