Would you like to hold systems accountable that are supposed to support individuals with disabilities?

Would you like to become an effective member of a statewide task force, board or committee?

Would you like to break down systemic barriers to services for underserved children and adults with disabilities, particularly for people of color and people who are non-speaking?

Would you like to become involved in the future direction of disability policy in your community and state?

If so, the Emerging Leaders Program is for you!  

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What is the Emerging Leaders Program?

The Emerging Leaders Program is a four-part training program that gives self-advocates with disabilities and family-advocates the skills needed to take leadership positions in their communities and state and to advocate for systemic change.

Who is this for?

• Self-advocates/People with disabilities in California
• Family members of people with disabilities in California

When and where:

• Via zoom
• You must be able to attend all four of the sessions, which will take place Tuesday from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

How to apply:

• Applications will open on Friday, November 15, and close on Friday, December 20th
• Scroll down to the applicaiton

Want more information?

Email Program Assistant Fidelia Sillas at fidelia@dvunited.org

Trainings will include sessions on: 

• Using your story to advocate for systemic change
• Telling your story in one minute
• Learn about history of disability and how it impacts California legislation
• How to advocate for better equity, outcomes, and self-determination
• Understanding the role of serving on the board of or committee in the disability community
• How to use social media for advocacy
• Ways to build a network with others in your community or state
• And lots more!

Qualifications:

1. You must be a person with a disability living in California or
2. You must be a family member of a person with a disability living in California.
3. You must commit to attending all four sessions.

Training sessions will be led by experts and exciting guest speakers from the disability community. The two-hour sessions will be filled with interactive and helpful tips that will help guide your leadership goals. You will be given fun and exciting assignments to prepare you for each training!

After the training sessions, participants may be matched with an experienced leader mentor to help answer questions and guide you. The support for you to become a leader will continue beyond the four training sessions with monthly meetings.

All of the trainings and support are provided free of charge and funded through the generous support of California’s Department of Developmental Services and Weingart Foundation.

Emerging Leaders Program Application

Applications will open on Friday, November 15, and close on Friday, December 20th

Please feel free to share this with other self-advocates or family members who might be interested!

Submit Your Application

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