Disability Justice and the Art of Advocacy!

A block printed sign for the Art of Advocacy 2024 sitting on an art easel.

I recently had the privilege of working with ABLE NH, the Institute on Disability, and People First of New Hampshire on an art project for their Advocate New Hampshire Conference that was held on October 4th in Concord, NH.

I was asked to assist in an art activity that everyone in attendance could participate in.

Nothing About Us Without Us sign made in 2023 with Heather from Rights and Democracy

At the 2023 Disability Justice parade & festival, Heather from Rights & Democracy had a really fun painted sign making activity for all who wanted to participate. We used stencils and paint and made our very own Nothing About Us Without Us sign.

This year, the Disability Justice Parade and festival was scheduled for the day after the conference, so we thought making signs for everyone to carry would be the perfect activity!

Since I am a block print artist, this year custom stamps and ink pads were the chosen medium (also, so we wouldn't have any paint spill mishaps in the hotel conference room!).

I hand block printed about 80 signs ahead of time with 4 phrases agreed upon by the committee: Nothing About Us Without Us, Disabled Does NOT Mean Disqualified, Break the Chains of DISCRIMINATION, and The Art of Advocacy. (I did throw in a few Very Mindful, Very Demure signs as the artists choice!)

Hand stamps made specifically for this event, with different logos for the sponsors and symbols and phrases.

The Attendees then used the smaller hand stamps I carved and mounted on wood blocks and also fun random stamps I have in my collection to make the posters meaningful and visually vibrant!

I believe the activity was a success, I had so much fun, and I really hope the attendees did as well! And seeing all the signs at the parade the next day was really something to behold!

My dear friend Owen holding his nothing about us without us poster before the start of the parade.

I will be using the larger carved block designs to do a fundraiser for NHMARF. After speaking with NHMARF folks one Sunday, I learned that the most requested mobility aid is the Rollater, a sit/stand walking aid. $10 from each t shirt or bag sold with a Disability Justice slogan on it will be collected to purchase the Rollator (or 2 or 3...) and any leftover funds will be donated to their general fund. (You can find these items to purchase under New Items!)

As always,

Stay Radical and Take Care!

maureen