What is a Collective?
At The Ability Collective of Barry County, our name isn’t just words, it is a statement of purpose. More than a group or an organization, a collective is about shared action, mutual support, and working together toward a common goal. For us, that goal is to create a vibrant, inclusive community where people with disabilities and their families have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to live full and meaningful lives.
More Than a Group
By definition, a collective is a group of people acting together, united by a shared purpose. What sets a collective apart from other organizations is the belief that everyone involved has a voice, a role, and a contribution to make. The Ability Collective isn’t just about providing resources or services, it’s about empowering people with disabilities, their families, allies, and community members to lead, advocate, and create change together.
In more traditional non-profit models, organizations exist to “serve” a community. While that approach is tremendously valuable, we believe in something different: co-creation. We are not working for people with disabilities, we are working with them, and alongside other allies who are committed to listening, learning, and taking action.
The Power of Collective Action
The beauty of a collective is that it grows stronger with each new person who joins. Whether you have a disability, love someone who does, or simply believe that our community is a better place when everyone belongs, you have a place here. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Engage: Share our mission, attend events, and amplify disabled voices.
- Advocate: Speak up for accessibility, inclusion, and belonging in your community.
- Give: Support our work through donations, partnerships, or volunteering.
- Listen and Learn: Take time to understand the lived experiences of people with disabilities and what inclusion means to them.
A collective is only as strong as the people who belong to it. The Ability Collective exists because people like you choose to be part of something bigger than themselves. Together, we are building a vibrant commuter where everyone belongs.
Are you ready to be part of the collective?