RCIL Launches Leadership Academy

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Nate Baldo

Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) Launches Leadership Academy

Over the last few decades, the Disability Rights Movement has made tremendous progress in working toward the full integration, independence, and civil rights of people with disabilities and seniors in the community. From the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the fight for mandatory lifts on public buses, to the establishment of core independent living services for all states, disability rights organizations and advocacy groups have worked tirelessly to ensure civil rights for all people with disabilities. However, there is still so much work to be done. We continue to face an institutionally biased system, a lack of affordable accessible housing, and systemic barriers to gainful employment, just to name a few. In order to continue to see progress and positive change for people with disabilities, and maintain long term viability of the Disability Rights Movement, it is critical that we actively foster the next generation of disability rights leaders.

RCIL has created a Leadership Academy, a ground-breaking, systems advocacy program designed to bring about the leaders of tomorrow. This curriculum consists of four components, including performing advocacy, public speaking, engaging the media, and working in administrative capacities. Each component was designed to enhance skills necessary to becoming a well-rounded disability rights advocate. Participants can enroll in any of these components separately or participate in all four.

The advocacy component will focus on enhancing important advocacy skills. For example it will address how to effectively file legal complaints with government agencies, exploring strategies for organizing and conducting various forms of protest, and presenting a convincing case to legislators. Participants will also learn techniques to effectively communicate with an audience in our public speaking component; for example, telling a compelling personal story.

The media component will focus on inciting public support. This component will address techniques when being interviewed by a media outlet, writing an op-ed article also referred to as an “opinion editorial”, as well as many other important tools related to media. The final, administrative component will assist participants with developing a range of skills necessary to assert disability rights perspectives when serving on a committee or board of directors. Specific topics covered will include organizational planning and understanding the board’s role in finance.

The pilot sessions will be held on a weekly basis from December 8, 2014 to February 9, 2015. Sessions will run from 2:00-4:00 PM at RCIL’s office -497 State Street, Rochester, New York. Participants can enroll in any of the components separately or sign on for all four! Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of this program.

This Leadership Academy is an important investment in securing the disability rights movement’s promising future in the Greater Rochester area, however no need to stop there. It is RCIL’s mission to bring this one-of-a-kind program to a state and national audience in order to ensure a robust and influential disability rights movement for years to come.

To register for the Leadership Academy or request accommodations, please contact Nate Baldo at (585) 442-6470 or nbaldo@rcil.org. RSVP by December 1st, 2014 to be included in the pilot session. Space is limited!