Green Mountain Self-Advocates (GMSA) is a statewide self-advocacy organization run and operated by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (people w/DD). GMSA activities include providing technical assistance and education for our more than 600 members and their local self-advocacy group, public education and awareness, peer mentoring and systems advocacy. Self-advocates serve on local and statewide advisory boards and committees for developmental services and disability rights organizations. GMSA membership is equally divided between men and women, and includes people of color and people who identify as gay, lesbian or bi-sexual in leadership roles. Though most of the members are adults, GMSA also includes a significant number of youth w/DD. The mission of GMSA is to empower people w/DD, together and individually, to take control over their own lives, make decisions, solve problems and speak for themselves. GMSA was founded in 1994. We grew out of a small self-advocacy group in Burlington. With the help of allies, they connected with other Vermont self-advocates to create a network. Today over 600 self-advocates speak up for themselves as members of 21 local groups across the Vermont. The activities of GMSA are offered primarily by and for people w/DD. Some of our members have a history of being institutionalized against their will at Brandon Training School.