At the 2025 National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Conference, the Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (Maryland SILC) took the stage to launch the Courage To Use Your Power (CUP) Campaign — a movement built to inform, educate, organize, and mobilize people with disabilities to protect their rights and secure their future.
The CUP Trophy is a large gold trophy with handles on each side and the engraved words “Courage to Use your Power” on the base.
Two silicone wristbands on a person’s wrist, one black with white text reading “YOU ARE WORTH IT, PERIOD” and one red with gold text reading “COURAGE TO USE YOUR POWER.”
This campaign asks a bold question: Do YOU have the courage to use your power? It’s a direct call to action for those ready to stand up for what’s right, confront challenges head-on, and create lasting change. CUP is rooted in four pillars:
- Informing – equipping people with the knowledge to understand threats and their own power.
- Educating – providing deeper learning to foster strategic action.
- Organizing – uniting individuals to create a strong, collective voice.
- Mobilizing – turning that voice into decisive action.
The campaign’s presence at NCIL was unmistakable — from the empowering anthem “You Are Worth It, Period” to the gleaming CUP trophy and bold wristbands reminding advocates of their worth and power.
Lorna-Mae Silcott, Executive Director of the Maryland SILC, and another representative sit at an exhibit table with the CUP trophy and informational materials displayed.
A conference presenter stands on the NCIL stage beside a large screen displaying the words “#CUPChallenge Check out Maryland SILC Exhibit Booth to learn more!” as attendees watch.
The IMAGE Center was proud to be part of this milestone moment. Our Executive Director, Teara Winmond, serves as the Center for Independent Living (CIL) representative on the Maryland SILC, helping to develop and launch the campaign. This collaboration reflects the shared mission of both SILCs and CILs: ensuring people with disabilities have access, independence, and quality of life.
Beyond the CUP Campaign launch, The IMAGE Center team was fully engaged in the NCIL Conference. We joined the annual march to the U.S. Capitol, attended workshops on advocacy and accessibility, and connected with leaders and allies from across the nation. This work strengthens our voice here in Maryland and ensures we’re contributing to the national conversation on independent living.
The CUP Campaign is just getting started — and it needs all of us. Learn more about how you can get involved and show your courage by visiting the Maryland SILC’s resources.