The New Hampshire Leadership Series was originally based on the Minnesota Partners in Policymaking model, with later input from the Colorado Partners in Leadership. The Leadership coordinator provides a set of readings and handouts for each session, as well as a fieldwork assignment.
Session 1: History of the Disability Movement in New Hampshire: This session describes the history of services for, and perceptions of, people with developmental disabilities - the Roots of Exclusion. We learn of the power and influence of parents in the closing of the Laconia State School - the NH state institution for people with developmental disabilities.
Session 2: Creating a Vision: In this session we hear from people who have thought bigger and "outside of the box" - beyond the traditional services offerred -- and created a full life for their son, daughter, and/or themselves. The importance of futures planning and self-determination for people with developmental disabilities becomes clear. The goal is to create a vision for yourself or your child, and to work to define the steps to make that vision a reality.
Session 3: Community Organizing: This session clearly identifies strategies for beginning and sustaining grassroots level organizing. The focus is on building allies and sustaining power in order to create change. Skills such as 1:1 interviews are practiced and polished.
Session 4: Inclusive Education: The benefits and values supporting inclusion and quality education for students with and without disabilities are presented in an interactive, personal, story-focused way. Specific strategies to achieve inclusion and quality education are demonstrated and practiced. Friendships play an important role in everyone's life - let's figure this out...
Session 5: A Good Life: Tools and options for a good life as an adult in the community are explored. The principles of choice and control of resources and futures planning are discussed by presenters who are using this option. Other topics for the weekend include: the importance of community connections, transportation issues, post-secondary education as a choice for all people, the importance of supported, competitive employment opportunities, state-of-the-art technologies for people with severe disabilities, and home ownership/control as an option and one of the defining characteristics of adult life in our culture.
Session 6: The Legislative Process: By the end of this session we all understand how a bill becomes a law at the state and federal levels, have identified critical federal and state issues, and have met with legislators to discuss issues and concerns.
Session 7: Culmination and Celebration: The grand finale! Each small group provides a presentation of their issue and what they organized as a group to address the problem. We now understand the role of when and how to use the media effectively. A graduation ceremony and celebration end the Series... but this is only the beginning of the personal, local, and statewide changes that will be brought about by the graduates of this 7-month event!
