Our values, vision, mission and objects

Our Values

We believe that all people possess needs and aspirations to:

• have their fundamental needs met
• have freely given relationships
• give and receive love
• seek the fullest possible development of their human potential
• participate in learning and recreation
• engage in meaningful occupations
• receive formal and informal support to achieve their human rights
• be fully included in community in a dignified manner that seeks
• meet their individual needs in the least restrictive way.

We recognise

• that some people with disabilities have a heightened vulnerability, arising from the nature of their impairments, community attitudes towards disability and the nature of systems
• that some people with disabilities are vulnerable to loss of relationships, loss of identity, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, segregation, congregation, and abuse
• that strong, effective, independent advocacy can safeguard people from direct harm and loss, enhance a person’s capacities, opportunities and roles, and reform our societal structures to minimise people’s vulnerability and live a valued life.

We value

• the power of relationships in keeping vulnerable people safe from harm: including multiple forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, lack of nurturing, expectations and opportunity
• the power of relationships to help vulnerable people to proactively focus on activities that are likely to lead to valued social roles and a better life
• the role of strong, independent advocacy to address issues of concern so that vulnerable people with disability are supported to lead a good life
• the intrinsic worth that all human beings possess, regardless of any attributes, from conception to death
• the need of people to be in community with others and their environment, so that individual growth, development, security and creativity is fostered.

Statement of Capricorn Citizen Advocacy’s vision

“A community where all people are equally valued.”

Statement of Mission

The mission of Capricorn Citizen Advocacy is to promote, protect and defend the personal well being and interests of vulnerable people with disabilities who have unmet needs and limited means to have those needs addressed.  This is in order to enhance and maintain their identity and role as human beings, growing and developing persons, and citizens.

We will do this by establishing and supporting a range of individualised, unpaid personal relationships between such persons (Protégés) and valued, competent citizens (Citizen Advocates) who are prepared to facilitate appropriate support for, and to undertake committed and sustained relationships with the person, based upon the representation of their best interests.

The objects for which Capricorn Citizen Advocacy was established

1. The focus of the program is to facilitate the establishment of advocacy relationships, according to the Citizen Advocacy model, between vulnerable people (including people with disability) and members of the community.
2. To identify and recruit Protégés, vulnerable people (including people with disability) who have major unmet needs and who are likely to remain vulnerable without
3. To stimulate local support systems and networks by identifying, recruiting, and encouraging a body of competent, committed, resourceful, and valued citizens as Citizen Advocates and Associate Advocates.
4. To develop and implement relevant training for Citizen Advocates and Associate Advocates, the community, staff, and management.
5. To promote greater understanding of Citizen Advocacy in the community and service systems, and garner support for Advocacy for vulnerable people (including people with disability).
6. To match Protégés and Citizen Advocates and in doing so, to ensure that there is a good “fit” between the fundamental human needs and interests of the Protégé, and the competencies, commitment and resources of the Citizen Advocate.
7. To annually review and periodically evaluate the program according to the criteria set forth in “Standards for Citizen Advocacy Program Evaluation” (Wolfensberger, W., O’Brien, , Georgia Advocacy Programme 1981).
8. To establish and maintain co-operative and supportive ties to other Citizen Advocacy efforts within Queensland, Australia and internationally. Within this network, to contribute to the ongoing development of Citizen Advocacy concepts and practices.
9. To undertake, participate in or otherwise support independent disability advocacy that strives to promote, protect, and defend the rights, needs and welfare of people with disability in Queensland.
10. To support, promote and protect the development of independent advocacy initiatives for people with disability in Queensland.
11. To do any other related activities that enables the organisation to promote, protect and defend the personal well-being and interests of vulnerable people with disabilities who have unmet needs, so as to enhance and maintain their identity and role as human beings, growing and developing persons, and citizens.
12. To act at all times in the best interests of the association and the people it serves.