LOS ANGELES, Calif., Aug. 22, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) \u2013- Adelaide P. Cota learned the hard way that there\u2019s no better advocate than yourself. However, not many people know where to begin. They need the confidence and resources to get started. That\u2019s where Cota comes in.<\/p>\n
![\"Adelaide](\"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/images\/16-0819-APCota-600x450.jpg\" "\\"Adelaide")
\n\u201cI\u2019m devoted to sharing my experiences with others so I can help them to advocate for themselves,\u201d she says. \u201cWhether it\u2019s helping a homeless military veteran fill out a job application or finding resources for people who need mental health services, I\u2019ll do the research and connect the people with what they need. I\u2019ll lead them to water and hope they\u2019ll drink.\u201d<\/p>\n
And, she does it all for free.<\/p>\n
After a series of unfortunate events, Cota admits that she wished she had someone to help connect her with proper resources. She was struggling to find mental health resources for her mother, did a stint in prison and lost custody of her son. She was accused of welfare fraud, but most charges were dropped. During this time, her health and memory suffered.<\/p>\n
In the midst of all this, she decided it was time to take action. Only she could be her best advocate. Now, she\u2019s helping others to do the same.<\/p>\n
So, what exactly does it mean to be a self-advocate?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means that you ask for what you need while respecting the needs of others,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Self-advocacy helps you to:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cota says that people who want to master self-advocacy need to familiarize themselves with community resources first. They need to know who their local leaders, legislators and congress people are.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not easy to learn how to take the initiative,\u201d she says, \u201cbut once you take that first step, it\u2019s empowering when people start listening to you \u2013 and they will. It\u2019s all about patience.\u201d<\/p>\n Change takes time. Nothing good happens overnight.<\/p>\n \u201cUnderstand your limitations and speak openly about your needs. Realize your strengths and weaknesses,\u201d she says. \u201cUltimately, know when to ask for help. It\u2019s all part of being a self-advocate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n