Operation Empowerment

Forty years ago, this month, I was part of a planning team and faculty for the project, “Operation Empowerment.” This was an effort supported by the National Head Injury Foundation (NHIF, now known as the Brain Injury Association of the US). At the time, I was on the Board of Directors and concerned about the lack of folks experiencing brain injuries (known then as “survivors”) participation as board members. When I expressed my concerns the response was that survivors were not really ready to participate. It was then that we proposed “Operation Empowerment.”

Initially conceived as a leadership development experience, the idea easily morphed into an effort designed to unite, empower, and promote that folks experiencing brain injuries be incorporated into all types of civic, and community groups and settings.

To that end, a planning team of advocates with and without disabilities initiated and created a full 4 day curriculum designed to bond and promote an advocacy agenda. We developed a proposal and were able to obtain full funding to invite 100 survivors, 2 delegates from each state, to make the journey to Galveston TX, the site selected for the program.

The planning for all this happened in the late 70’s, a time of awakening for folks in the disability movement regarding rights and opportunities. But the real magic unfolded when we descended on Galveston that April weekend in 1980. The first day focused on identifying who we are, the second day on what we wanted, and then the last 2 days on how we were going to get it.

This was an amazing experience where we learned much, challenged each other, used data, emotions, and grit to move the discussions to the next level. Advocates left this experience, returning to their home communities to join boards, civic groups, community councils, some running for elective office and the like. It was a moment in time that changed the times. I am happy to have been a part of the experience.