SABE- More Than Just A Club - By Joe

Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered SABE is a membership program under the umbrella of ACL that works to ensure people with disabilities are given the same opportunities, chances to make choices and decisions, rights, and chances to speak up and empower themselves as people without disabilities. SABE also provides members a chance to make new friends and learn new skills. Members of SABE partake in monthly meetings, elect officers, attend conferences, and have the chance to volunteer as speakers to civic or service organizations, among other things. I attended Artlink in Longmont, CO to get a better understanding of what SABE is all about. Artlink Longmont's mission is to promote the arts through education, celebration, and demonstration. When I first arrived, I watched the Longmont Idol competition for a few moments before starting my search for the SABE booth. There was a live band playing, food vendors, and more than a dozen tents and tables set up with artists showcasing their work. While I was making my way through the displays a man suddenly greeted me with a brochure while guiding me to his table. I looked at the brochure and realized this table was SABE! They were promoting and selling their Trio Wristbands. I learned that the trio wristbands are part of a fundraising effort that SABE started to raise money for their group, and on this particular night it was voted that that half the proceeds would be going to the victims of the 4-mile fire. The group cleverly uses recycled t-shirts to make the Trio Wristbands. I was able to speak with Angela, who began a nonprofit called "Out There." She came to the ACL 7 months ago with the idea of doing a fundraising project to help SABE become a greater influence in the community. Thus began the Trio Wristband project! After speaking with Angela about this project, I can see that what SABE does encompasses so much more than bringing friends together, teaching new skills, and giving a greater voice in the community. SABE is value-added. The Trio Wristband fundraising project has taught members skills for a lifetime. I learned that the man who came up to me with the brochure is the "head marketer," and that the others around the table have titles such as "master shredder" and "master braider," referring to the jobs that go into making the wristbands. Each member has a role, specific responsibilities, and is counted upon by the others in the group. SABE is a shining example that people with disabilities accomplish amazing things. What is a Trio Wristband? It's a braid that represents the partnership among community, business, and government to support people with special needs. How can you partner with SABE?

• Become a member of SABE


• Participate with the group.


• 
  
  Purchase a Trio Wristband or SABE t-shirt by contacting Nicole at: 303-527-0888 X221


• Donate to SABE by contacting the ACL at:

303-527-0888

or

5744 N. 71st St.

Longmont, CO 80503