About

Cool name but what does it mean?

The name “Guerilla Advocates” is a play on words and  their meaning in the struggle for equality and against oppression of people with disabilities from all “walks of life”.  The word “Guerilla” on its own refers to an individual fighting on their own or with others in a covert manner, to bring about an agreed upon outcome.    The word “gorilla”, sounds like “Guerilla” and to some extent is interchangeable with our definition, although a gorilla is an animal it faces an extreme threat from outside forces.  It will also fight to defend its territory and members.  The difference is that we as humans are capable of learning and teaching each other, to progress by consensus or revolution.

Not a bloody revolution. A revolution of peaceful resistance and overt actions which will “remake” the world we know as individuals with disabilities.  To a world that respects differences and contributes to the general progress of all citizens.  Where, you ask is the revolution part?  Equality is a revolutionary thought.    The advances in laws and technology experienced by some individuals with disabilities are not universal.  Even in places where laws are in place to protect the rights of the most vulnerable, not everyone can access the legal system necessary to enforce them.  Where technology, mobility aids, medicine or transportation might be available not everyone can afford it.

Equality is a concept unattainable to billions worldwide and is only  made more difficult by issues of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, class, and yes disability.  A combination of two or more of these categories may increase ones chances of discrimination and oppression.

Can Nations continue to deny people with disabilities justice?

Yes, because we continue to be an invisible and easily oppressed group.  We are by the very nature of our specific disability type already broken up into small labeled little boxes.  The Multiple Sclerosis box, the developmental disability box, and the Autism box just to name a few.  In our individual groups and our pre-determined boxes many of us are under the belief that we live in steel enclosures.  We have been fed the idea that we must fight for our “cause”, without regard for the prosperity of others.  Me first!, Is now the official Mantra of many organizations, and individuals.   The continued belief that winning “our” fight is more important than winning “the” fight, allows government and other groups, to deny us justice.

Like all efforts we start small.  We use ideas and experience to show us the way to a better tomorrow.  We use technology, words, video, music, protest, education, and outrage to show the world our demand for justice.  Most importantly, let us rethink progress!  Progress is an individual or group effort with the intent to move our cause forward.  However, the effort to move forward starts with each one of us.

Become a Guerilla!