Self-advocacy references & resources
Beyond everyday interactions with family and friends, young people are able to self-advocate and use their personal experiences as a springboard for change. For young people who are passionate about raising their voices and telling their stories, they may need help determining the best place to start.
Whether they are passionate about school safety, substance use prevention, youth violence, inclusion, diversity or mental health, often the first step is to reach out to a program or organization specializing in that particular issue. With this support, young people are better equipped with the knowledge, tools and information they need to formulate a strategic, informed plan.
Self-advocacy efforts are most effective when they are collaborative. It is important for empowered young people to have supporters they can turn to for guidance in planning their advocacy campaigns. With help, we can help prepare our local youth to understand issues that matter, make meaningful connections and learn know how to speak up and speak out.
Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Canton, OH 44708
Stark County Educational Service Center
North Canton, OH 44720
Stark County Family Council
North Canton, OH 44720
Stark County Family Court
Suite 670
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Job & Family Services
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery
Canton, OH 44702
Reach out to your local school district to plan an advocacy campaign, create a student advocacy group or determine another way to spread a message you’re passionate about.
Alliance City School District
200 Glamorgan St.Alliance, OH 44601
Canton City School District
Canton, OH 44702
Canton Local School District
600 Faircrest St. SECanton, OH 44707
Fairless Local School District
11885 Navarre Rd.Navarre, OH 44662
Jackson Local School District
7602 Fulton Dr.Massillon, OH 44646
Lake Local School District
436 King Church Ave. SWUniontown, OH 44685
Louisville City School District
407 East Main St.Louisville, OH 44641
Marlington Local School District
10320 Moulin Ave. NEAlliance, OH 44601
Massillon City School District
930 17th St. NEMassillon, OH 44646
Minerva Local School District
406 East St.Minerva, OH 44657
North Canton City School District
525 7th St. NENorth Canton, OH 44720
Northwest Local School District
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Osnaburg Local School District
310 Browning Ct.East Canton, OH 44730
Perry Local School District
Massillon, OH 44646
Plain Local School District
901 44th St. NWCanton, OH 44709
Sandy Valley Local School District
5362 State Rte. 183 NEMagnolia, OH 44643
Tuslaw Local School District
1835 Manchester Ave. NWMassillon, OH 44647
Visit your local library to access a wealth of information and resources on self-advocacy and community activism.
Canal Fulton Public Library
154 Market Street N.E.Canal Fulton, OH 44614-1196
DeHoff Memorial Branch
216 Hartford Ave. SECanton, OH 44707
East Canton Branch
224 N Wood St.East Canton, OH 44730
Jackson Township Branch
7186 Fulton Dr NWCanton, OH 44718
Lake Community Branch
565 Market Ave. SWUniontown, OH 44685
Louisville Public Library
700 Lincoln AveLouisville, OH 44641
Madge Youtz Branch
2921 Mahoning Rd. NECanton, OH 44705
Massillon Public Library
208 Lincoln Way EastMassillon, OH 44646
Minerva Public Library
677 Lynnwood DriveMinerva, OH 44657-1250
North Branch
189 25th St. NWCanton, OH 44709
North Canton Public Library
185 North Main StreetNorth Canton, OH 44720
Perry Sippo Branch
5710 12th St. NWCanton, OH 44708
Plain Community Branch
1803 Schneider St. NECanton, OH 44721
Rodman Public Library
215 East Broadway StreetAlliance, OH 44601
Sandy Valley Branch
9754 Cleveland Avenue SEMagnolia, OH 44643
Stark County District Library: Jackson Township Branch
7487 Fulton Rd. N.W.Massillon, OH 44646-9393
Stark Main Library
715 Market Ave. NCanton, OH 44702
Technology Training Services
715 Market Ave. NCanton, OH 44702
Ohio legislators
Reach out to your local legislators about issues you’re passionate about. This is the best way to influence public policy on a larger scale.
Active Minds
Supporting students across the nation through education, information, advocacy and leadership opportunities.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
An online community dedicated to suicide prevention through education, research, advocacy and support.
A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Getting Through to Your Elected Officials
Compiled by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, this guide provides comprehensive information on how to communicate effectively with elected officials.
Autism Speaks
Self-advocacy resources and guides for young people who have been diagnosed with Autism.
Mental Health & Addiction Advocacy Coalition
Advocating for education and awareness to help influence public policies and strengthen Ohio communities.
NAMI Smarts for Advocacy
Helping individuals, families and friends affected by mental illness to transform their experiences into grassroots advocacy campaigns.
Ohio Self-Determination Association
Hub of self-advocacy resources for people with disabilities.
People First of Ohio
Provides self-advocacy assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC)
Resources about self-advocacy and support for self-advocacy groups.
Stark County District Library
Online collection of books and resources about self-advocacy.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
A database with topics and issues affecting youth and young adults.