The History of People First of California

People First® is the oldest and best known self advocacy organization run BY and FOR people with developmental disabilities in the world.

People first and the Disability Rights movement had its roots in the other civil rights movements of the 60's and 70's. All these groups wanted the same thing, to be treated with respect and to have equal rights with other citizens.

The first Board of PFCA was made up of members representing the north, south and central parts of the state. The state organization fell apart in 1982-84, but many local chapters continued to meet. Members and Helpers from northern California started having meetings in the Bay Area and Sacramento called "statewide" self-advocacy or People First meetings to lay the ground work for pulling together a new statewide organization.

In 1990, 500 people from all over the state came to a People First Conference in Redding. In Redding, the group was asked if they wanted to re-start People First of California.

"Do you want to wake up the Sleeping Bear?"

The crowd shouted "YES!"

A new "founders" Board started worked on incorporating PFCA by creating Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation. In 1991, People First of California was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)-3 organization in Chico, California.

The first five officers were Barbara Picaso, Jim Picaso, Rosie Ryan, Cary Sofye and David Moshier and state advisor Robin Keehn were from Area 2 Board's region.

In June of 1995, ARC of California offered to provide a free space for us at their offices in the state capital of California, Sacramento. So, PFCA moved their office and base of operations from Chico to the "Old Town" district of Sacramento. In 1995, PFCA contracted with the Supported Life Institute and the Organizations of Area Boards, to co-sponsor the first Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference in Sacramento. People First members from all over the state came together to empower each other. The first People First of California Statewide Conference was in June 1996. The theme was "The Dream is Golden." Over 1500 people attended. These conferences are now held every year. The conferences help more people learn about People First and start new Chapters. People with developmental disabilities present all the keynote and breakout sessions. This cutting edge concept of People First members running the conference and making all of the decisions is held sacred in only a few states, with California leading the way.

While Michael Cooke was in office (2002-2008) as President of People First of California we received generous grants from the SCDD. The People First Supporting Statewide Self-Advocacy Grant, is designed to specifically strengthen self-advocacy throughout the state. Through these grants, PFCA hired its first self-advocate Executive Director, Joe Meadours. They also hired support for Joe, Robin Rhoades. PFCA's voice is more active and available to the Capitol on important issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in California. This grant will also provide for two additional positions that will help to strengthen People First specifically in Southern California .

Today, our Board has a least one representative in each of the 13 regional area’s throughout the state. These Board members represent the views, ideas, and voice, of their local People First members.

Local and State Government, recognizes self-advocates as a crucial element that has historically been a missing piece in guiding public policy.

For the first time, People First of California has a place, a voice, and the strength of numbers; this enables us to give input to change polices that effect all self-advocates throughout the state.