The Peterborough Chapter of People First NH held its first meeting in April 2007. Its mission is to help young adults with developmental disabilities advocate for themselves. Members learn how to make decisions that lead to independence and self-confidence. They learn about their rights and responsibilities and encourage each other. Topics at meetings include smart holiday shopping, the rights and responsibilities of relationships, and emergency preparedness. The group risks losing funding and ending in September 2009.

1. People First of NHwww.peoplefirstofnh.orgPeterborough Young Adult ChapterFacilitators: Donna Brand and Kari Lindstrom-Quiter The Peterborough Chapter of People First NH held it’s first meeting in April, 2007. It’s mission is to help young adults with developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves. People First members learn how to make the decisions and choices that lead to increased independence and self confidence; they learn about their rights and responsibilities, and encourage each other to speak out about their interests, needs, opinions, and ambitions. 1

2. How our People First self-advocacy group works Marketing through local high schools, area agencies, physicians offices, local media, etc. Members are introduced to the concept of self-advocacy, and share personal stories of how they have advocated for themselves, or wished they had advocated for themselves, but did not know how. Meeting guidelines are discussed and agreed upon by members. Self advocates identify the topics they would like to discuss or learn more about in future meetings. Officers are elected within the group to encourage and practice leadership skills. 2

3. “Smart Holiday Shopping & Spending” - Sharon Cowen, UNH cooperative extension 3

4. Peterborough Fire MuseumApril, 2009 4

5. Speakers, Topics, & Trips “Rights, Rewards and Responsibilities of Relationships” - Katherine McLaughlin Trip to Concord to learn voting protocol “Presidential Forum” in Manchester to meet the candidates Trip to the Wellness Center at MCH “Employment Readiness” - Kathy Moran, NH Department of Voc. Rehab. “The Importance of Fitness & Nutrition”- Donna Brand & Kari Lindstrom-Quiter “Being Prepared in the Event of an Emergency”- Amy Morss, Jaffrey-Rindge EMT paramedic 5

6. End of the year potluck picnicJune, 2009 6

7. 7 The Peterborough People First Young Adult Self-Advocacy Group will be losing funding by the end of September, 2009. If you can help keep this lively young group to stay active, please contact People First of New Hampshire. People First of New Hampshire 4 Park Street, Suite 205 Concord, NH 03301 603-568-2128 info@peoplefirstofnh.org subject line “Peterborough”