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The Resource Center for Disability Advocates | News & Articles | The Advocacy Guide E-Newsletter The Advocacy Guide May 2006 This e-newsletter is intended to provide useful information to both individuals and nonprofit organizations to help them more effectively achieve their mission and improve the lives of people with disabilities. Topics may include fundraising, grant writing, the start-up process, sensitivity training, financial management, technical assistance, independent living, strategic planning, organizational management and the legislative process.
Workshop Attendees Share Their Thoughts During the months of January, February and March 2006, the Resource Center for Disability Advocates, provided six free overview workshops across the state of Pennsylvania. The overview workshops focused on the basic areas of advocacy. Individuals from various organizations and groups attended the workshops and provided positive responses when asked their thoughts. "I appreciated that the presenter asked people in the audience what they do when faced with a particular issue, rather than presenting him as having all the answers." "I really liked the organizing for success part and I feel I can take this back to my organization and review all the components." "I am clearer about how to confront Congress men and women in attempts for advocating." "I appreciated the real life examples, group participation and activities." "I appreciated the networking experience." "I am clearer about the importance of clear communication within a group when talking to legislators and the media." To learn more about upcoming free overview workshops or to request a free training specific to your group or organization's needs, contact The Resource Center for Disability Advocates at 717-731-1900 ext. 25. World
of Possibilities Disabilities
Expo 6th
Annual Freedom March Wrightslaw:
From Emotions to
Advocacy Society
for Disability Studies 19th Annual
Conference Annual
Housing Services
Conference National
Marfan Foundation 2006
National Autism
Conference 2006
7th Biennial Statewide Independent Living
Conference World
Congress and Exposition on
Disabilities According to Parents, Let's Unite for Kids (www.pluk.org), assistive technology can be anything homemade, purchased from the shelf, modified, or commercially available, which is then used to help an individual perform a task of daily living. Depending on the device, the cost can be high. How should a person with a disability prepare for requesting assistance with funding? According to www.abledata.com, before you request assistance for funding the device, determine what exactly you need in terms of assistive technology. Newly disabled individuals may need to seek a consultant to determine the type of technology needed, while people with long-term disabilities, may be familiar and just need an updated version of the equipment. If a new version of your technology piece is needed, determine the specific item required, including the make, model, manufacturer, etc. No matter whom you ask for support with the payment, prepare the following information prior to the request, so you are prepared to answer the questions given by the funding source.
Statements indicating why you need assistance with payment may be needed depending on the funding source. There are public and private funding sources for assistive technology. Some require a medical person to submit a statement explaining the medical necessity, while other agencies require a demonstration of how the service or technology will enhance your ability to prepare for, get or keep a job, or improve your ability to be independent if employment is not an expected result (www.abledata.com). Tips on Working with the Media As an organization, there may have been and probably will be moments when you will talk to the media. According to www.apa.org, some helpful hints when working with the media are:
How to Form Your Organization's Board of Directors According to www.pano.org, Pennsylvania requires every non-profit corporation to have the following officers: President, Treasurer, and Secretary (i.e. officers who perform comparable duties). A single person may hold all three offices. It is important to remember that you want to gather a board that can work together and accomplish the goals set forth for the board and the organization. Whether your non-profit organization is just getting its feet wet or your organization has been in existence for many years, remember these helpful hints when forming or recruiting a board of directors. According to www.ehow.com, the steps to follow are: 1) Include the board's rules of operation in the corporate bylaws. Details including the number of board members, expiration of terms, officer positions and meeting conduct are found in this document. 2) Determine job descriptions for the chair/president, vice chair/vice president, committee chair, secretary and treasurer. 3) Once you've established the rules of operation, decide on the skills you're seeking before you begin the recruiting process. For example, if you're unfamiliar with how to market your organization, a marketing executive would be a great candidate for the board. 4) Design a board member application, asking for information on the applicant's career history and experience, reason(s) for wanting to join the board, skills and resources he/she will bring to the board, time available to put towards the organization, and any questions the applicant may have about the position or the organization. 5) Recruit applicants through networking, word of mouth, churches, leaders of the community and businesses, publicize positions in community newsletters, etc. 6) As applicants apply, maintain the list of candidates, including the skills and time commitment each individual has for the organization. 7) Candidates should be invited by the president of the organization to upcoming meetings, to allow candidates to ask questions and/or understand what his/her role would be sitting on the board. 8) According to www.americanexpress.com, the size of the board depends on the size of the organization and the goals of the organization. The smaller the board, the more likely it is to operate efficiently because it's small enough to work together. However, an exception to this is if the small organization is going public and needs a larger board to guide the organization through the process. 9) During the formation of the board and once the board has been established, clarify the board's responsibilities and remember to ensure the board stays committed to the responsibilities. Responsibilities include: defining and following through with the organization's mission, enhancing the organization's public image, creating positive awareness, raising money, managing resources, and ensuring effective planning.
This program is funded in part through the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council. |
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