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
Christen Smith
Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
(585) 773-8535
chrsmith@arcmonroe.org
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
Join us for an upcoming meeting or event! All monthly meetings are hybrid (Zoom and in-person).
January 25, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome, Q&A w/ Scott Hetsko
February 22, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | 2024 Advocacy Goals
March 28, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Professionalism Q&A w/ Job Path
April 25, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Q&A w/ a Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy
May 23, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Q&A w/ The Arc of Monroe's President and CEO Tracy Petrichick
June 27, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces w/ Brian Potvin
July 25, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Fee Brothers
August 22, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Job Path Info and Q&A
September 26, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | SANYS presentation on voting with a disability
October 24, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Q&A w/ Public Defender Julie Cianca
November 14, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | RTS Transportation Info Session
December 19, 2024 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Holiday Party!
Interested in joining the Arc Alliance self advocacy group or have questions? Fill out the form below, and someone from our team will connect with you!
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
02/2024
The Arc of Monroe takes Concerns over Budget Proposal to State Capitol
12/2023
Diverse Abilities Shine at Community Arts Connection Show in Pittsford
11/2023
New Yorkers with Disabilities Challenged to Understand Ballot Options
09/2023
Expanding Access in Exercising the Right to Vote
02/2022
Rochester in Focus: Celebrating Rochester's Roots
10/2021
New Horror Film Features Character with Autism
09/2021
Arc of Monroe hosts discussion between people with disabilities and police
Check out these photos from past events and Arc Alliance meetings!
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.
