Want to hold systems accountable, serve on a statewide task force, board or committee, or help shape disability policy?

The Emerging Leaders Program can help you learn to break down barriers to services for underserved children and adults with disabilities, particularly people of color and people who are non-speaking.

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a free online leadership training program for people with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities living in California.

Build confidence, develop leadership and advocacy skills, and learn how to make a difference in your community. No previous leadership or advocacy experience is needed.

Program Schedule

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2027
4:30 – 6:00 pm via Zoom

What You’ll Learn

• Build confidence and skills in leadership and advocacy.
• Share your story and speak up about disability issues that matter to you.
• Turn your ideas into action in your community.

What to Expect

Each of the four interactive sessions includes a guest speaker’s leadership story and small group discussions and exercises. Learn from experienced disability leaders who share their leadership journeys and advocacy experiences, then practice your skills with other participants.

Between sessions, put what you learn into practice: Tell your one-minute leadership story, identify your state legislators, and explore advisory boards, committees or other leadership opportunities.

Application Process

The Emerging Leaders Program is open to:

• People with disabilities living in California.
• Family members of people with disabilities living in California.

Complete the online application to tell us about yourself, your interests, why you want to participate, and what you hope to learn and do with your leadership and advocacy skills. Our team will review applications and notify selected participants by email.

Application deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027

Participant Expectations

We encourage you to attend all four sessions, as each builds on the last. Participants are expected to:

• Actively participate in sessions, small group discussions and activities.
• Complete assigned activities before or after sessions.
• Respect the experiences and opinions of other participants.

Mentorship

The ELP mentorship component connects participants with experienced leaders who offer guidance, practical advice and resources.  Mentors are people with disabilities or professionals in the disability community committed to advancing disability rights.

• Matching: Complete an interest form about your goals and preferences so we can pair you with a mentor whose experience aligns with your goals.
• Virtual meetings: Meet at mutually agreed-upon times to discuss progress, challenges and strategies.
• Ongoing support: Receive advice, encouragement and resources to help you reach your leadership goals.

Informational Meeting

Interested in learning more about the Emerging Leaders Program before applying?

Join our free online informational meeting to:

• Find out what to expect during the four training sessions.
• Learn who can apply and how to complete the application.
• Have an opportunity to ask questions.

ASL and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Thursday, December 10, 2026
5:00 pm–6:00 pm | Zoom

Register for the info meeting

Questions or More Information?

Brian Gutierrez
Project Manager, Outreach & Leadership Training
Disability Voices United
brian@dvunited.org

We look forward to welcoming our next group of emerging leaders!