- R23 -

Advocate Independence There is no safety net that can bear the weight of human indifference and I have yet to encounter a safety net of laws rules regulation and policies that was any stronger than a single concerned and engaged person standing shoulder to shoulder with a person navigating the daily challenges of life in the community. Clarity of Staff Function Citizen Advocacy coordinators do not act as advocates and the program does not engage in other forms of advocacy. Program Independence The Citizen Advocacy office maintains its independence from other human service organizations to help ensure that advocates will not have conflicts of interests. Diversity of Relationships The range of advocate roles and the nature of advocacy relationships are very diverse.