"Leadership gave me a vision of a positive future for my child: it gave me the self-confidence to dream and design my own vision, and skills to make my dreams a reality!"
Dear NH Leadership Nominee,
You have been nominated to participate in the 2008 - 2009 New Hampshire Leadership Series. This Series is sponsored by the UNH Institute on Disability/UCE in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Education, the Bureau of Developmental Services, the Developmental Disabilities Council of New Hampshire, 10 Area Agencies, Friends of Leadership, and many other NH organizations, businesses, and foundations. In addition to financial support, representatives from these agencies are involved in the nomination, application, and selection process for participants. Many are also involved as presenters or group facilitators.
We are actively seeking highly motivated men and women to participate in the New Hampshire Leadership Series. This Series is a leadership-training program for individuals with disabilities and parents/family members of individuals with disabilities. The Series provides state-of-the-art information about all disability issues. Participants come together for fourteen days over a seven-month period and receive intensive training on a wide variety of educational and leadership issues.
Each session of the Leadership Series combines education and experience. Professionals in the field, parents, and individuals with disabilities join together to not only provide information, but to give strategies for collaboration and implementation as well. Sessions will include discussion, audience participation, and small and large group activities.
The goal of the Series is to support the development of self-advocacy and leadership skills in NH citizens who wish to affect change at a personal, community, and statewide level to support the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their schools and communities.
There is no cost to participants. Financial support is provided, if needed, for child care/respite, lodging, meals, and materials. People needing additional supports (e.g., transportation, interpreter, physical assistance) will be assisted in every way possible to facilitate their attendance.
We are expecting the location for this year's Series will include several areas of the state – the seacoast, the Lakes Region, North Conway, Greenfield, Manchester, and Concord locations. Each two-day session will begin at 12:30 pm on Friday and end at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Most will include Friday evening workshops so attendees are requested to stay overnight at the hotel. We are particularly eager that members of the group represent diverse backgrounds, ages, and different geographic regions of the state. The applications will go to a selection committee that will choose 35 participants, based on their application and the above criteria.
To apply online, click here. To download a copy of the application, click here (pdf). The application includes a list of dates, topics, and expectations for participation in the New Hampshire Leadership Series. Please complete and return the application in the envelope provided by July 25, 2008.
35 participants will be selected on the basis of their degree of motivation to become well informed about, and active in, policymaking and systems change for individuals with disabilities in our state. All applicants will be notified in late August of the selection committee’s decision. If selected, you will receive more details at that time.
For more information call me at 603.228.2084 or 800.238.2048, or e-mail: Beth.Dixon@unh.edu
I look forward to receiving your application.
Sincerely,
Beth Dixon, Leadership Coordinator
