Advocating Change Together (ACT)

You Can Expand Disability Justice in Minnesota  

Support Advocating Change Together

Advocating Change Together (ACT) began in 1979 as a nonprofit organization offering advocacy and leadership training to people in Minnesota who live with a disability. For over 45 years, ACT has assisted thousands of individuals with disabilities, their families, disability support networks and the broader disability community across Minnesota. ACT facilitates, encourages, and supports education and advocacy for people with disabilities both individually and collectively.

Small Organization - Big Impact!

Our Mission - ACT supports the leadership of people with disabilities to fight ableism and build inclusive communities.

Our Vision - ACT envisions a world where people with and without disabilities are valued for their contributions and have equitable access to leadership and power.

Our Programs - 

Olmstead Academy – The Olmstead Academy was launched as a response to the Minnesota Olmstead Plan which was created in 2013 to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities live full, integrated lives in their chosen communities. ACT delivers a 9-month program which includes classroom and fieldwork through which self-advocates are positioned as leaders within the state's Olmstead Plan.

Self-Advocates of Minnesota (SAM) Network – SAM began in 2007, initiating a way for people with disabilities to build a network to support self-advocacy in their community. There are now 50 SAM Network groups split into 6 regions throughout the disability community across the state, creating a more powerful coalition for disability justice. The SAM Networks are the organizing arm of  ACT.

Disability Power Day – Disability Power Days bring people with disabilities together monthly around self-advocacy, leadership development and current issues facing the Minnesota disability community. It covers important topics while building friendships serving as a forum where the disability community can share experiences and discuss issues effecting the community.            

ACT Minnesota State Self-Advocacy Conference – ACT, together with the SAM Network, hosts this event which brings over 400 self-advocates and allies together every other year. Individuals and groups throughout Minnesota take part in planning and attending this event. 

Side-by-Side People's Chorus - The Side-by-Side People's Chorus gathers people with and without disabilities together to share empowerment through the meaningful sharing of songs of pride. These gatherings serve to bring community together for a social evening of food, song and movement.

Disability Pride Day Festival - ACT began organizing the Minnesota contingent of the National Disability Pride Month of July. ACT will be hosting the Third Annual 2025 Disability Pride Festival with support from the SAM Networks along with our community partners and sponsors, to bring awareness of Disability Pride and Justice movements to Minnesotans throughout July.

Happy Hour - A monthly inclusive event that brings people with and without disabilities together over drinks! 

Coffee Chat - Hosted by self-advocates, this event gives self-advocates an opportunity to connect with old friends, make new connections, and have a safe place to talk with others.