Archived Newsletters
The 3 I’s of Meaningful Membership by George Seaborough
For almost 10 years, I have connected people who would not have had the opportunity to meet on their own. One person would have an intellectual or developmental disability, and the other person would come from the center of our community. One person would be called the protégé, and the other would be called the advocate. For years, advocates and protégés have shared learned wisdom from their relationships. They have thought about ways to help develop Meaningful Membership for their protégé.
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Spring 2024
A Message from George Seaborough
If you read a recent newspaper headline, you will see war, national division, hatred, and the complications of local and national politics. The articles shine a light on the isolated silos that continue to build on the harmful language of “Us vs. Them”. But as the media look for enticing headlines to draw the reader in, very few of those headlines capture the essence of connection that is Savannah.
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Winter 2023
Building Relationships by George Seaborough
March in Savannah has come to an end. The fountain at Forsyth Park was dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day, parade floats were made, and we had our first big St. Patrick’s Day Parade since Covid. New and old friends gathered around parade routes to celebrate the bonds of family, traditions, and friendships. While Savannah was geared up for one of the biggest days of the year, there were still people wishing they had the relationships to help them leave the nursing or group home to participate in the festivities. Through the lens of Citizen Advocacy, we have the ability to see how one- to-one relationships can lead to participation in community celebrations, membership, and overall protection.
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Spring 2023
Savannah is an Everchanging City – A Note from George Seaborough
Savannah is an ever-changing city. We are building an arena in West Savannah, new apartments and homes in East Savannah, and new businesses are flocking to our city by the sea. There is a new streetscape under development on Broughton Street, and tourism is now a year-round industry. The fairgrounds on the west side of town are being transformed – with houses, studios, and green spaces on the horizon. Savannah is truly developing and going through change…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from December 2021
Our New Normal – A Note from George Seaborough
As signs of our “new normal” begin to emerge from the weary days of 2020, we are starting to reconnect face-to-face with our friends, colleagues and loved ones. We are beginning to look past the Zoom screen and meet in open spaces and share experiences
with the people we are close to. Parks, patios, squares, beaches, bike trails and
backyards are full of activity…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Spring 2021
Savannahians Continue to Say “Yes”
We have made it through an election, we are all living through the times of Covid-19
together, and now are heading into the holidays. 2020 has been a year of uncertainty
and difficulty, but through it all Savannah has remained constant in showing that we care for one another…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Winter 2020
Being Present while Social Distancing – by George Seaborough
The world has been changed by the Covid-19 Coronavirus. People throughout the United States are hospitalized, the Governor of Georgia has extended the closure of public schools, and the city of Savannah has authorized a shelter-in-place order…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Spring 2020
“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”
– Margaret Wheatley
During the holidays, we hope all will have the opportunity to celebrate with family, friends, and colleagues – both old and new. Consider expanding your circle of community and include someone who may not usually get an invitation to join in. Meet someone you wouldn’t ordinarily get to meet. Your table and your circle may be more joyful if you do…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from Winter 2019
Reflections on the Covered Dish Supper and Celebration
As we wrap up our 39th Anniversary Covered Dish Supper and Celebration, I wanted to take a moment and talk about some of the strategy that supports the ethos of this event.
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from July 2017
Building a Bigger We…
Well, it’s been an interesting several months in America. We have seen a presidential election that has many people’s heads spinning. No matter where you place yourself on the political spectrum, I think it’s safe to say that the times they are a changing. And, that’s not going to stop.
Change is with us…
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from December 2016
What Do Oysters and Social Change Have To Do With One Another?
Good question! Let me tell you a short story that will give us the answer.
Click here to read this issue of The Citizen Advocate from March 2016