Become an Ambassador 

A Latina woman with dark hair stands in front of a microphone, a line behind her and an audience around her, all facing the same direction

Join Disability Voices United’s Ambassador Program!

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

We’re excited to introduce Disability Voices United’s Ambassador program, composed of clients and their family members served at each of the 21 regional centers throughout California. Whether you’re seasoned in advocacy or just beginning, this is your opportunity to take the lead as the ‘eyes, ears, and voices’ and play a vital role in our advocacy efforts statewide.  

Who are the Ambassadors of Disability Voices United?

Disability Voices United Ambassadors are individuals served by regional centers or their family members. They participate in statewide calls, sharing what they observe and trends. Ambassadors receive various kinds of help and support from our organization. We select multiple Ambassadors for each regional center catchment area so they can work together, and share responsibilities for attending and reporting on meetings. 

Who Should Apply?

  • Client/Self-Advocates served by a regional center. 
  • Family Members of a client served by a regional center. 
  • We are piloting the Ambassador Program in early 2024 and are selecting ambassadors from the following regional centers:
    • Inland Regional Center (IRC)
    • Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC)
    • Regional Center of East Bay (RCEB)
    • Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC)
    • South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC)

The Role of the Ambassadors

As an Ambassador, you’ll monitor regional center activities, actively engage in community events, listen to community concerns, and speak out on critical issues affecting individuals and families like yours. 

As our “eyes,” the Ambassadors will monitor activities of their regional centers by reviewing all materials from the regional centers including board of directors agendas, materials, and minutes, contracts with DDS, performance plans and reports, annual reports, annual audits, demographic data, consumer expenditures, disparity data, plans to reduce disparities, vendor contracts, 990 forms, board of directors diversity data, and other relevant materials.

As our “ears,” the Ambassadors will listen to the concerns of individuals served by their regional centers and their families. They will attend and listen to discussions at boards of directors and committee meetings, disparity meetings, and other public meetings held by the regional centers. In addition, the Ambassadors will attend support groups and gatherings of community organizations to hear about other concerns of individuals and families.

As our “voices, the Ambassadors will speak out on key issues of concern from the community and on priorities of DVU. In addition, the Ambassadors, in cooperation with the Disability Voices United staff, and board of directors, will train community members to advocate for systemic changes at their regional centers.

Why Join the Ambassador Program:

Be part of California’s leading disability advocacy organization led by people with disabilities and family members. Shape statewide policies and initiatives, hold regional centers accountable, receive training and resources, and be part of a supportive community dedicated to equity and justice for people with disabilities.

Join us in amplifying the voices of the disability community, driving change, and championing a more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities and their families. Together, we will be heard!

Ready to make a difference? Apply now to become a Disability Voices United Ambassador and advocate for the change our community needs.

 

Apply here by Friday, February 2, 2024

 

Interested in learning more about the Ambassador Program:

For inquiries or more information, reach out to Fidelia Sillas, Program Assistant, at fidelia@dvunited.org

Map of California detailing the catchment areas of the 21 regional centers. There is also an expanded map of the regional centers in Los Angeles County