Taking Action: How Participants are Shaping Their Community
The participants of The Mission Project aren’t just members of their community of Mission, Kansas; they’re actively shaping it. Their commitment to involvement can be exemplified by one seemingly small but meaningful decision: creating matching shirts so they would be instantly recognizable at the city council meetings they faithfully attend. This choice wasn’t about standing out but about being seen—showing their dedication to making a difference in their community.
This story is a testament to The Mission Project’s mission of advocating for the inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their communities.
A Voice at the Table
At The Mission Project, the Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) meets monthly, providing a platform for the participants to voice ideas, raise concerns, and advocate for change. While some participants attend simply to listen, others come prepared with agendas and action items. Josh was the driving force behind the idea for matching shirts to wear when attending city council meetings, recognizing that they could help participants be easily identified as advocates for their community. After gaining approval, the participants took ownership of the process, selecting the shirts and designing the logo themselves—a tangible expression of their pride and unity.
Advocacy in Action
Wearing their new shirts, participants attend city council meetings to advocate for issues that matter to them and the broader community. For instance, when they learned that a local park, and popular hangout was at risk due to new construction, they spoke up, ensuring that plans for a replacement park stayed on track. Their advocacy isn’t limited to large-scale issues. One participant reported an overgrown bush blocking a sidewalk; within a day, the city addressed the issue, making the sidewalk safer for everyone.
A Model for Inclusion
This story is just one example of how The Mission Project advocates for the inclusion of individuals with IDD in their communities. It highlights the capacity of neurodivergent individuals to contribute meaningfully, build connections, and inspire positive change.
Being part of a community is about more than simply residing in it; it’s about actively engaging with it. By showing up, speaking out, and working together, The Mission Project participants demonstrate the value of inclusion and the importance of creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to belong. Thanks to their bright, matching shirts, their presence—and their impact—are impossible to miss.
