Lesson 1 sets the foundation of the self-advocacy journey. Its purpose is to show participants that they are already self-advocates in their everyday lives, even if they’ve never thought of themselves that way before. By highlighting simple, daily moments of speaking up, the lesson builds confidence and pride in one’s own voice.

The methodology is highly participatory: learners are engaged through movement, group reflection, role play, and the use of flashcards and other visual tools. A unique feature of this lesson is the introductory video of self-advocates from across Europe. Participants see and hear self-advocates in their own languages, giving them a sense of connection, universality, and belonging to a much larger movement.

By the end of Lesson 1, participants recognize that self-advocacy is not something distant or abstract — it is part of their identity, and something they already practice. The lesson is designed to inspire pride, spark motivation, and create a strong sense of community across borders.