Application

"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 Series Nominee,

Congratulations! You have been nominated to participate in the 2010-2011 NH Leadership Series. The Series is a leadership development program for individuals with disabilities and parents/family members of individuals with disabilities. Leadership provides state-of-the-art information about all disability issues. Participants meet monthly over a seven-month period and receive intensive training on a wide variety of educational and community topics.

Leadership strives to teach through a variety of educational methods. We include discussions, web based learning, small and large group learning, independent research and application, as well as video and audio resources. Each session combines educational information and direct experience.  Professionals in the field, parents, and individuals with disabilities join together not only to provide information, but to offer strategies for collaboration and implementation as well.

The goal of the NH Leadership Series is to support the development of advocacy and leadership skills in NH citizens who wish to grow at a personal level to achieve community and statewide change that supports the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their schools and communities.

The NH Leadership Series is produced by the UNH Institute on Disability in collaboration with the New Hampshire Department of Education, the Bureau of Developmental Services, the Developmental Disabilities Council of New Hampshire, New Hampshire’s Area Agencies, Friends of Leadership, and many other state organizations, businesses, foundations, and individual donors. In addition to providing financial resources, representatives from these agencies are involved in the nomination, application, and selection process for participants.  Many are also involved as presenters or group facilitators.

The cost to participants is kept very low through contributions from a variety of organizations (listed above) and individuals. The great majority of the cost per person (nearly $6,000) is provided by the sponsors. In addition, each participant, once accepted into the program, will be asked to provide $250.00 to help offset the balance of the cost of the Series. Individuals may find it helpful to seek sponsorships from local community organizations, Family Support Councils, or employers to help cover these costs. We are available to assist you in finding the resources if you are accepted.  If you are able, we ask that you consider an additional gift for the scholarship fund so that anyone, regardless of economic means, can attend the Series. People needing additional supports (e.g., transportation, interpreter, physical assistance) will be assisted in every way possible to facilitate their attendance and participation. No one will be denied due to financial constraints.

The 2010-11 NH Leadership Series will take place in several areas of the state, including the Seacoast, the Lakes Region, the Monadnock Region, and Concord. Each two-day session will begin at 12:30 pm on Friday and end at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Some sessions will include Friday evening workshops. Attendees are requested to stay overnight at the hotel unless you live nearby. All monthly expenses and reservations (hotels, meals, & materials) are covered for participants.  Reimbursement is available for travel and childcare expenses for those who need it.

We are particularly eager that members of the group represent diverse backgrounds, ages, and different geographic regions of the state. Thirty-five 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 applications are reviewed by a selection committee that will choose this year’s participants based on the content of the application and the above criteria. Graduates of the NH Leadership Series belong to a statewide network of over 700 citizens creating inclusive lives for people with disabilities.

The application includes a list of dates, topics, and expectations for participation in the NH Leadership Series. To apply online, click here. If you would like to complete a paper application, click here (pdf) to download a copy and send it to:

NH Leadership Series, Institute on Disability
Attn: Beth Dixon
56 Old Suncook Rd. Suite 2
Concord, NH 03301

The application deadline is July 30, 2010. All applicants will be notified by August 27 of their acceptance status.

For questions or for more information contact Beth Dixon (contact information below).

I look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely,

Beth Dixon
NH Leadership Series Coordinator
Phone: 603.228.2084
Email: badixon@unh.edu