Self Advocacy at Clermont DD
Aktion Club of Clermont County, Ohio
Empowering Self Advocates Through Leadership, Community, and Inclusion
The Aktion Club of Clermont County, Ohio is a self-advocacy group that works in partnership with the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Kiwanis Club of the East Fork Region.
Self advocates exercise their rights as citizens by communicating and representing themselves. They play an active role in decision-making in their daily lives and in public policy discussions that affect their communities.
About the Aktion Club
Building Confidence Through Self Advocacy
The Aktion Club provides individuals with opportunities to develop leadership skills, participate in community service projects, support one another, and advocate for issues that matter to them.
Members work together to:
- Promote self advocacy and inclusion
- Support community initiatives
- Build friendships and leadership skills
- Participate in volunteer opportunities
- Raise awareness for developmental disability service
Scott Baker, Aktion Club President, presenting David Pursley with the Self Advocate of the Year Award at the 2025 Good Fortune Award Dinner.
Self Advocates of the Year
Previous Award Recipients
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Amy Jones |
| 2012 | Megan Purtell |
| 2013 | Matt Strickland |
| 2014 | People in Action Group |
| 2015 | Gail Troxell |
| 2016 | Ben Blizzard |
| 2017 | Ethan Stuempfle |
| 2018 | Austin Porter |
| 2019 | Ellen Thompson |
| 2020 | Scott Baker |
| 2021 | John Hicks |
| 2022 | Abby Minardi |
| 2023 | Mark Iles, Jr. |
| 2024 | Lindsey Wright |
| 2025 | David Pursley |
2025 Self Advocate of the Year
David Pursley has been a dedicated member of the Aktion Club self advocacy group for more than two years. Throughout his involvement, he has actively supported Clermont DD through numerous community events and volunteer efforts.
One of David’s most notable contributions was helping organize a car wash fundraiser for the Basketball is Life program, raising more than $1,500 in a single day.
David has also:
- Volunteered with Empower Youth
- Helped recruit new Aktion Club members
- Participated in fundraising events
- Encouraged family involvement in community activities
David was honored with the 2025 Self Advocate of the Year Award during the Good Fortune Recognition Dinner in October.
Closing Statement:
Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition!
History of Self Advocacy at Clermont DD
A Legacy of Leadership and Inclusion
People In Action (PIA)
People In Action was the first self-advocacy group at Clermont DD. Members supported one another in learning to speak up, share ideas, and discuss issues important to them. The group worked closely with the Clermont County Board of DD to promote advocacy education and improve local services.
Clermont County Voices
In 2017, Clermont County Voices became the new self advocacy group focused on encouraging individuals to actively participate and advocate for themselves.
Turn Up the Voices
In 2018, the organization changed its name to Clermont County Turn Up the Voices, inspiring members to “turn it up” and make their voices heard.
Turn Up Clermont
In December 2019, the group simplified its name to Turn Up Clermont while continuing its mission of empowerment and advocacy.
Aktion Club of Clermont County, Ohio
On March 16, 2022, the organization officially became the Aktion Club of Clermont County, Ohio, continuing its commitment to leadership, service, and self advocacy.