Join Disability Voices United’s Ambassador Program!

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We are excited to expand 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 a leadership role in our statewide advocacy efforts.

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?

We are expanding our Ambassador Program to five additional regional centers this summer. We are seeking client/self-advocates and family members of a client served from one of the following regional centers:

• • • Alta California Regional Center (ACRC)
    • Golden Gate Regional Center (GGRC)
    • Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC)
    • North Los Angeles County Regional Center (NLACRC)
    • Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC)

Current Pilot:

DVU is currently piloting our Ambassador Program in five regional centers, including Inland Regional Center (IRC), Redwood Coast Regional Center (RCRC), Regional Center of East Bay (RCEB), Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC), and South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC).

The Role of the Ambassadors:

Ambassadors act as our “eyes, ears, and voices,” and play a crucial role in creating systemic changes that align with our mission. As an Ambassador, you will 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.

• Observe:  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.
• Listen: 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.
• Advocate: Ambassadors will speak out on key issues of concern from the community and on the priorities of DVU. In cooperation with the Disability Voices United staff and board of directors, Ambassadors will also 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

Applications are accepted through Friday, August 16, 2024

Interested in learning more about the Ambassador Program:

Join us during our open virtual office hours on:

• Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
• Friday August 9, 2024, Time: 1:00-2:00 pm
• Monday August 12, 2024, Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
• Wednesday August 14, 2024, Time: 12:00-1:o0 pm
• Thursday August 15, 2024, Time: 10:00-11:00 am

Application Office Hours Zoom Link

 Zoom Meeting ID: 879 3131 0225

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