THE LEADERSHIP SERIES 2021 APPLICATION IN PLAIN TEXT

This is a plain text companion for the 2021 Leadership Series Application.

This is not the actual application form. We created this companion to make the application process more accessible. Applicants can use the BrowseAloud tool on our website to listen-to and translate each of the questions from the online application. CLICK HERE for more information about BrowseAloud.

Once you've turned on the BrowseAloud Toolbar, follow these instructions to listen to or translate the Plain Text Companion:

USE THE BROWSE ALOUD HOVER TOOL TO CLICK AND LISTEN

CLICK THE HAND ICON to TURN ON the Hover Tool.  To Listen to the Text:
1. TURN ON the Hover Tool.
2. LEFT CLICK on the text you want to hear.
3. BrowseAloud will highlight the text and read it.
4. TURN OFF the Hover Tool.
5. NAVIGATE to the next text you want to hear.
6. REPEAT these steps.

NOTE: When you place it over the text you want to hear the Hover Tool
will highlight the sentence in yellow and the word it’s reading in blue,
and turn the POINTER ARROW into a SELECT BAR.    This BLACK BOX means the Hover Tool is ON.
CLICK the black box to turn it OFF.

 

USE THE BROWSE ALOUD TRANSLATE TOOL TO READ AND LISTEN IN A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE

CLICK THE WORLD ICON to TURN ON the Translate Tool.  When you click the Translate Tool,
a BLACK BOX and drop down menu will appear.
SCROLL DOWN the menu and
CLICK on the language you want the page translated to.  NOTE: Once use it to change to a different language,
the Translate Tool will AUTOMATICALLY TURN OFF.
To revert back to the text in english, or another language,
follow these same steps to translate the page again.


Now that you've read the steps for using BrowseAloud, it's time for the Plain Text Companion.
Remember, BrowseAloud is a great tool for reading text to speech, but it's not very good at navigating. That means you'll need to do the drive and let BrowseAloud do the other stuff. To do that, use the menu below to jump to the section you want to hear BEFORE YOU TURN THE HOVER TOOL ON.

Once the question you're looking for is on screen, follow the BrowseAloud instructions from above. When you're done listening, TURN THE HOVER TOOL OFF BEFORE you jump back to the top menu.

Also note: if you want to translate the page, do that first and then follow the same steps to listen. BrowseAloud will read the page in whatever language it's written in. So if you translate it, it will read it in the translated language you selected. For example, if you translate the text to Spanish, you'll hear it read in Espanol.

The sections and questions from the 2021 Leadership Series Application are listed below. You can scroll through this page with your mouse or use the Application Menu to navigate. To use the menu, simply LEFT-CLICK the button for the item you want to jump directly to it.

When you’re done with an item, LEFT CLICK the button that looks like this to return to the top of the page.

You can also LEFT CLICK this button to return to our homepage.

We know this may sound a bit confusing, but give it a try. No matter what you do, you can't break it, so test things out and do what works for you!


APPLICATION MENU



About the Application

This is an application for the Advocates in Action Leadership Series Class of 2021. The form has 24 questions, each of which should be answered by YOU, the person who’s applying.

Questions with a red asterisk (*) are required. That means you need to answer them, or you won't be able to submit your application. We designed this form to notify you if you miss a question that's required.

You’re welcome to complete the form yourself or ask someone you trust to assist you. You can also contact Advocates in Action using the information listed at the bottom of this page. We'll be happy to walk you through the application process or answer any questions you may have.

We'll also be offering two informational sessions about the next class on Wednesday, January 13th, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm and Thursday, January 21st, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.

CLICK ONE OF THE DATES BELOW to open a new tab in your web browser and register for the Leadership Series Virtual Open House:

Click to register on Wednesday, January 13th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at https: forward slash forward slash. tiny u r l. dot com. forward slash JAN 13  L S O H.      Click to register on Wednesday, January 21st from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at https: forward slash forward slash. tiny u r l. dot com. forward slash JAN 21  L S O H.



You don't need to answer all of the questions at once. You can save the application and come back later to finish. If you decide to take a break and come back later, you need to finish the section you're working on first, or your answers won't be saved.

Once you've completed a section, click the GREEN SAVE BUTTON at the bottom of the page and check your email. We'll send you a link so you can pick up where you left off. If you're working on a saved application, make sure you complete it before the deadline.

Applications for our next class must be completed online and are due by
Friday, January 29th, 2021

Once you’ve answered all of the questions, click the green button on the last page to SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. Our team here at Advocates in Action will review your answers, send you a copy of your completed form, and be in touch to schedule a virtual interview using the Zoom Video App.

Remember, this isn’t a test! These are your answers, so the only way to get them wrong is by not answering them. Relax and take your time.




When you're ready to complete your application, use the image link below to open the form in a new tab on your web browse:

Click here to open the Leadership Series Class of 2021 Application form in a new tab. The address for the application is:  https://leaders21app.questionpro.com

https://leaders21app.questionpro.com


About the Class

Important information and dates for the Class of 2021: 

The next Leadership Series class is scheduled to begin in February 2021 and graduate at the end of June. Classes will meet virtually on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 to 2:30 pm using the Zoom Video platform. We’ll also be scheduling various online activities and projects for Leadership Series members during our time together.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday, February 2nd, thru Thursday, February 4th. The interview will be a brief, informal, and informative time to get to know each other and answer any questions you may have about the class. Everyone who applies needs to join us for an interview. If you’re applying with a support person, we’ll schedule your interview together.

Our Kick-Off retreat will be an interactive and fun virtual event over the course of two days on Thursday, February 11th, and Friday, February 12th, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Regular classes will begin meeting weekly on Wednesday afternoons beginning on February 17th.

Contact us if you have any questions, need some help figuring out how to use the Zoom Video App, or would like some assistance completing your application.

The best way to reach us is by email at: leaders@advocatesinaction.org.

You can also call the Advocates in Action RI phone line toll-free at: 1-877-532-5543.

If you need to leave a message, please include your name, phone number, and the reason you're calling. Someone from our Leadership Team will return your call as soon as possible. 




APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION

We designed this first Section so we'll be able to contact new class members directly whenever possible. By direct, we mean that the following information should be for the applicant first as much as possible. For example, if you receive services from a provider agency, we prefer to have your address rather than your agency's office address.

We realize that some people prefer to have help with things like talking on the phone or reading their mail. You'll be able to clarify who the information you enter belongs to in the questions below.

You also have the option to add a contact person in Section 2. If you decide to add a contact person, we'll still direct phone calls, postal mail, and email to you using the information you provide in questions 1-6, but we'll also send a copy to them.

QUESTION 1: What is your full name?

* This question is required.

After you’ve completed the Leadership Series, we’ll celebrate your success with an official graduation ceremony in June, 2021. We need the correct spelling of your full name, written the way you’d like it to appear on your diploma. If you have a different nickname that you use for day to day conversation, you’ll be able to add that, too.

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Write your first and last name in the space below:

Line 1. First Name:

Line 2. Last Name:

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If you have a nickname different from the first name you'd like to be printed on your diploma, write it on line 3 below. For example, if your full first name is Steven, but you like to be called Steve, write "Steve" on line 3.

Line 3. Nickname:



QUESTION 2: What is your mailing address?

* This question is required.

We need your address to send you materials related to class during our time together. While most of the materials we use will be available online to download, we’ll also be sending you various printed resources and other items that you’ll need for class.

This is usually an applicant’s home address. If you’re using a different address, make sure that you’ll be able to check the mail there often and can receive packages at this location.

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Enter your FULL MAILING ADDRESS in the space below:

Line 1. Address:

Line 2. City:

Line 3. State:

Line 4. Zip Code:



QUESTION 3: What email address will you be using for class?

* This question is required.

Applicants need to have a way to send and receive email. We’ll be using email throughout our time together to share homework assignments, information about group projects and contests (with real prizes when you win!), extra resources about the topics we cover in class, and invitations to other meetings or events you might be interested in.

We also encourage class members to stay connected with our Leadership Series team by emailing us any questions, comments, or ideas you want to share.

Using email is an important requirement for being in the Leadership Series, but it doesn’t mean you need to do it alone. If you don’t have an address or use email, you can ask a family member, friend, or one of your paid support staff to use theirs. If you decide to use someone else’s email address, you’ll be able to enter their name and how they’re related to you in the next question.

Remember, if this isn't your address, you’ll need to connect with the person who owns it at least once a week to check for messages from our Leadership Series team and and send a reply.

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Write the email address that you’ll be using for class in the space below:



QUESTION 4: Who does the email address you'll be using for class belong to?

* This question is required.

You must be able to send and receive email on a regular basis to be in the Leadership Series, but you don't need to own the address you'll be using.

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Select the answer that describes who the email address you're using for class belongs to from the 2 choices listed below. If you select choice number 2, a dialogue box will open so you can add additional information.

Choice 1: This is my email address.

Choice 2: This email address belongs to someone else.

Additional Information: Write the name of the person this email belongs to and describe how they're related to you. For example, are they a family member, friend, or paid support person?



QUESTION 5: What is the best phone number to reach you?

* This question is required.

Although we’ll be using email as the primary way to connect with class members, we also need a way to reach you by phone. We’ll use this number to contact you if we have questions or information to share that's better suited for a phone conversation than an email message.

We prefer calling class members directly, but if talking on the phone isn't your thing, you're welcome to use a number that belongs to another person. If the number you're using belongs to someone else, remember that you'll need to check with them for messages from our Leadership Team between classes.

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Write the best phone number to reach you, beginning with the area code, in the space below:



QUESTION 6: Who does the phone number you're using belong to?

* This question is required.

We need a phone number where we can reach you to share updates and other information, but you're welcome to use someone else's number if necessary. If you select choice number 2, a dialogue box will open so you can add additional information.

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Select the answer that describes who the phone number you're using for class belongs to from the 2 choices listed below:

Choice 1: This is my phone number.

Choice 2: This phone number belongs to someone else.

Additional Information: Write the name of the person the number belongs to and describe how they're related to you. For example, are they a family member, friend, or paid support person?



CONTACT PERSON

We'll send any printed materials you may need for class and other correspondence directly to you, the applicant. You're welcome to make copies and share them with others. We'll also email you a PDF version of the materials, and can carbon copy ("cc") those messages to someone else for you when we do.

QUESTION 7: Would you like to add a contact person?

This question is optional.

The decision about whether or not to add a contact person is up to you. If you change your mind, you can update this information at any time.

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If you’d like to add someone to our cc list and have us send them a copy of our messages when we email you, write that person's and contact information in the space below:

Line 1. Contact's First Name:

Line 2. Contact's Last Name:

Line 3. Contact's Email Address:

Line 4. Contact's Phone Number:

Line 5. Describe how this person is to you, the applicant:

For example, are they a family member, friend, or paid support person?



CONNECTING FOR CLASS

Our next Leadership Series will meet virtually once a week using the Zoom video app. We'll also be going online for homework assignments, group projects, team-building exercises, and other activities. This Section is about the type of equipment you'll be using to do those things.

 

QUESTION 8: How will you be connecting to class on Zoom and accessing the internet for other activities?

* This question is required.

Everyone in the Leadership Series must have both the equipment and a way to connect to the internet. You should also select a private place with few distractions or background noise to join our Zoom meetings. This is important so you can listen and share with fellow class members without anyone else listening in.

If you don’t have a lot of experience using Zoom or doing other things online, NO WORRIES! Those are some of the things you’ll be learning about during our time together.

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Select the type of device you’ll be using for class from the 3 options listed below. When you make a selection, a dialogue box will open so you can add additional information.

If you have access to more than one device, select all the ones that apply, and explain how or when you plan to use each of them. For example, if you’ll be using a tablet for Zoom, and a computer for homework, select both devices and add that information.


If your device isn’t listed, or you’re not sure what type you’ll be using yet, select option number 4, OTHER, and let us know.

 

***Note: Although we’ve included a Smartphone on this list, we strongly recommend class members use either a computer or tablet during our Zoom Meetings.***
A Smartphone will limit your overall experience and can make it more difficult to participate.

Option 1: Computer

Additional Information: Write the type of computer you're using in the space below. For example, is it a PC or a MAC? If you know what operating system you use, such as Windows on a PC or IOS on a MAC, also add that information. If you’re not sure, write N/A.

Option 2: Tablet

Additional Information: Write the type of tablet you're using in the space below. For example, is it an Apple iPad, a Samsung Galaxy or, or an Amazon Kindle Fire? If you know what model you have, such as an Apple iPad Air, a Galaxy Tab A7, or Amazon Kindle Fire 8, also add that information. If you’re not sure, write N/A.

Option 3: Smartphone

Additional Information: Write the type of Smartphone you're using in the space below. For example, is it an iPhone or an Android? If you’re using a Smartphone, write what type it is in the space below. For example, is it an iPhone or an Android? If you know what model phone model number you have, such as iPhone Xr or a Galaxy s20, also add that information. If you’re not sure, what N/A.

Option 4: Other

Additional Information: If you use a device that isn’t on this list, or you’re not sure what you have, write the name and any information you have about it in the space below. If you have any other questions or comments about how you’ll connect for class, also add that information.



ELIGIBILITY REQUIRMENTS

We created the Leadership Series to empower individuals who have an Intellectual/ Developmental Disability (I/DD) with some of the skills people need to speak up for themselves, make informed decisions, and take charge of their lives.

These next 3 questions will help us determine if you're eligible to join our next class.

 

QUESTION 9: Do you have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability, or will you be supporting a fellow class member who does?

* This question is required.

To be eligible for the Leadership Series, you should either be a person who has an Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) or someone who will be providing support to a fellow class member. If you’re a family member, friend, or paid support staff who will be assisting a fellow class member, we encourage you to complete your own application and join us.

If you’re not a person with an I/DD or someone who will be providing support, but you have a specific interest in taking the class, you’re welcome to continue completing this application and explain why you would like to be in the Leadership Series.

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Select the answer that describes your eligibility status from the 3 choices listed below:

If you select choice number 2 or 3, a dialogue box will open to add additional information.

 

Choice 1: I have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability.

Choice 2: I will be providing support to someone with an I/DD who is also applying for class.

Additional Information: Write the name of person you'll be supporting in class.

Choice 3: I don’t meet either of these eligibility requirements, but I have a specific interest in taking the class.

Additional Information: If you’re not a person with an I/DD, or someone who's providing support, explain why you want to be in this year’s class.



QUESTION 10: Are you a Rhode Island resident?

* This question is required.

The Leadership Series is open to Rhode Island residents and those who will live out of state but will be providing support to someone who lives in RI. 

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Select the answer the describes your residency status from the following 2 choices:

If you select choice number 2, a dialogue box will open so you can explain why you're applying as an out of state resident.

Choice 1: YES, I am a RI resident.

Choice 2: NO, I am not a RI resident.

Additional Information: If you’re not a RI resident, explain why you’re applying for the class.



QUESTION 11: Are you, or will you be, of Voting Age by the end of 2021?

* This question is required.

Leadership applicants must be of voting age, which is 18 or older, when they apply. Individuals who will be celebrating their 18th birthday in 2021 are also welcome to apply.

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Select the answer that describes your voting age status from the 3 choices listed below:

If you select choice 2 or 3, a dialogue box will open so you can add additional information.

Choice 1: I am of voting age, 18 or older.

Choice 2: I’m not of voting age yet, but I will turn 18 in 2021.

Additional Information: If you'll be turning 18 in 2021, when is your birthday?

Choice 3: I won't be old enough to vote by the end of 2021.

Additional Information: If you won't be old enough to vote in 2021, when is your 18th birthday and why do you want to take the class before you celebrate that milestone?



ACCOMMODATIONS and ACCESSIBILITY

This section is about any type of accommodations you may need to participate in the class. You don’t need to be able to read or write to be in the Leadership Series. We make all of our materials available in a variety of formats, such as pictures, videos, music, and games, to make the information accessible, inclusive, and easy to understand for people with a variety of learning styles. And we provide free text to speech technology that will read aloud and translate the materials we share in class, homework assignments, and other resources.

We also teach the class with a team of Peer Mentors who’ll be there to help.

 

QUESTION 12: Are you comfortable READING?

* This question is required.

This question is about how comfortable you are with reading. As mentioned above, you don't need to be able to read to join the Leadership Series. Instead, we’ll be using your answer, along with those from other applicants, to help us customize our materials and the overall class experience.

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Select the answer that best describes how you feel about reading from the 3 choices listed below. If you have a different answer that isn't on this list, select choice number 4, "other", and write it in.

Once you select an answer, a box will appear so you can add any comments you’d like to share about your choice. If you don’t have anything to add, write N/A.

 

Choice 1: NO. Reading isn’t really my thing.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 2: YES and NO. It depends on what I’m reading.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 3: YES. I usually enjoy reading.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 4: Other.

Additional Information: If you have a different answer write it in the space below.



QUESTION 13: Are you comfortable WRITING?

* This question is required.

Similar to the previous question, you also don’t need to be able to write to be in the Leadership Series. While you’ll need a way to record your answers when we have homework, there are lots of different ways you can do that. For example, instead of writing, you might try clipping pictures from magazines, printing images from websites, painting, drawing, Claymation, or composing new lyrics about the topic, sung to the tune of a familiar song. In fact, we encourage class members to be as creative as possible in the way they deal with each assignment. After all, being creative is an important leadership quality. When it comes to homework there's no wrong way to record your answers. You're welcome to do things in a way that works for you!

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Select the answer that best describes how you feel about writing from the 3 choices listed below. If you have a different answer that isn't on this list, select choice number 4, "other", and write it in.

Once you select an answer, a box will appear so you can add any comments you’d like to share about your choice. If you don’t have anything to add, write N/A.

 

Choice 1: NO. Writing isn’t really my thing.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 2: YES and NO. It depends on what I’m writing.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 3: YES. I usually enjoy writing.

Additional Information: Add any comments you’d like to share about your choice or write N/A.

Choice 4: Other.

Additional Information: If you have a different answer to share write it in the space below.



QUESTION 14: Will anyone be with you during class to provide support?

* This question is required.

If you think you’ll need some additional assistance in class, you’re also welcome to have a family member, support staff, or friend join you. If you decide to bring a support person, please encourage them to complete their own application and join us so you can take the class together. If you’re accepted into the Leadership Series, the person you chose to support you during class will be, too.

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Let us know if you’ll have someone with you during class by selecting an answer from the 3 choices listed below:

If you select choice number 1, a dialogue box will open so you can add additional information.

 

Choice 1: Yes, I need to bring a support person with me.

Additional Information: Write the name of the person who will be supporting you and decribe how they’re related to you. For example, are they a family member, friend, or paid support person.If you’re not sure who this person will be yet, write that instead.

Choice 2: No, I won’t be bringing a support person to class.

Choice 3: I am not sure. I want to talk about this at my interview.



QUESTION 15: Do you need any accommodations to participate in the Leadership Series?

This question is optional.

At Advocates in Action RI, we create materials in multiple formats to make them both accessible and user-friendly for as many people as possible. We also realize that every individual is unique, with their own style of processing information and communicating. We're looking forward to seeing you succeed and will provide whatever support we can to help make that happen!

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If you require a certain type of accommodation to participate in the Leadership Series, describe what you need and let us know how we can help in the space below: 



GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

This section explains what to expect during the Leadership Series and what the requirements are for graduation. We’ve described some of the time commitments, group projects, and other activities that you’ll be involved in as a member of the Leadership Series. We understand this may look like a lot of work, but remember: looks can be deceiving!

While it’s true that you’ll be busy, we guarantee the Leadership Series is NOT your typical classroom. Chances are the activities we do and the time we spend together will be unlike anything you ever experienced in school.

For example, you don’t need to have any special training or technical skills to join us. Don’t worry if you’ve never done some of the things on this list, like attending meetings using the Zoom Video App, researching an important topic on the internet, or giving a Virtual Presentation in front of a large group of people; we’ll teach you!

We meet often, so there’s no need to rush. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, ask questions, get to know your classmates, and be yourself. And we spend time practicing together before doing these activities outside of the classroom. If you don’t feel ready, say the word, and we’ll practice some more.

You’ll also have a Peer Mentor available to provide individual assistance as needed. Peer Mentors are Leadership Series graduates who work for Advocates in Action to support current members. Your Mentor will check-in with you between classes to help explain the homework and answer other questions.

And speaking of homework, you should also know that we don’t grade your work. That means the only way you can “fail” is is by refusing to try. In order to graduate, you need to come to class, give it your best effort, and remember that it's ok to ask for help.

If you’re concerned about these requirements, or worried about something else that might prevent you from joining the next class, use question 17 to explain your situation and let us know how we can help. We’ll review that information when we receive your application and get back to you right away. We can also talk about any issues you may have during the interview. Either way, you can rest assured that our Leadership Series team is flexible, creative, and committed to your success. We know you’ll be amazing, and pledge to work with you to help figure things out.

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QUESTION 16: Do you agree with the Graduation Requirements for the Leadership Series?

* This question is required.

Everyone who is applying for the Leadership Series must agree with the following graduation requirements. There are seven items on this list. Be sure and check all 7 boxes, or you won't be able to submit your application.

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Review the 7 graduation requirements listed below and LEFT CLICK the matching box to let us know you agree:

Requirement 1: I agree to attend the virtual Kick-Off retreat from 1:00 to 3:00pm Thursday, February 11th, and Friday, February 12th, 2021, and the weekly classes as scheduled. It will be my responsibility to confirm the date and time and make sure I have the correct Zoom Meeting link and passcode before each class begins. If I’m unable to attend, or I can’t find the information I need to join by Zoom, I’ll call or email the Advocates in Action Leadership Team and let them know as soon as possible.

Requirement 2: If I’m unable to attend a class, or I can’t find the information I need to join by Zoom, I agree to call or email the Advocates in Action Leadership Team and let them know as soon as possible before class begins.

Requirement 3: As a Leadership Series member, I understand that we will decide together whether or not we need to have any additional classes. For example, we may choose to schedule a time to practice before one of the presentations we’ll be doing. Barring any scheduling conflicts, I agree to attend these additional classes as needed.

Requirement 4: I agree to complete the homework assignments. If I have any questions or need some assistance, I’ll contact my Peer Mentor and let them know.

Requirement 5: I understand that there will be extra activities outside of class, such as virtual field trips, court hearings, public forums, various committee and workgroups, songwriting sessions, and other team-building activities. Although most of these will be optional, I agree that I will try to attend whenever possible.

Requirement 6: I agree to help plan and participate in one or more Leadership events and activities with my fellow class members. Some examples of these include: co-hosting a Focus Group on Zoom, leading a Peer-to-Peer Conversation, facilitating a Public Forum, and presenting about one of the topics we’ll discuss in class at Rhode Island’s Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference.

Requirement 7: I understand that any personal information people share during class is private and agree to respect their confidentiality. I won’t repeat what others share during class or any related class activities. I also agree not to share any personal contact information for my fellow class members without their consent.



QUESTION 17: Do you have any questions or comments about the Graduation Requirements?

This question is optional.

We hope the graduation requirements haven't changed your mind about applying for the Leadership Series. If you need more information, want to make sure we know something else about you, or have any concerns about whether or not you'll be able to meet all of these requirements, please let us know!

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Share any questions or comments you have about the list of graduation requirements from question 16 in the space below:



THE RHODE ISLAND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SYSTEM AND YOU

We created the Leadership Series for RI residents who have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability. While we designed many of the topics to help class members understand and learn how to navigate RI DD System, you don’t need to receive DD Services to be eligible for the Leadership Series.

QUESTION 18: What is your connection to the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities System?

* This question is required.

In this question, we'd like to know how or if you're connected to the RI DD System. We’ve included a few ideas to help get you started. These are just ideas! You don't need to use them if you already know what you want to say.

Idea 1: If you’re a person with an I/DD, and you’re connected to the RI DD System, what types of services do you receive, and how do you manage them?

For example, do you receive Day/Community, Residential, or Supported Employment Services? Do you Self-Direct your services or use a DD Provider Agency? Which Provider Agency do you use, and how long have you been receiving services from them?

Idea 2: If you’re a person with an I/DD, and you don’t currently receive services, describe your current circumstances.

For example, who supports you now if you need any assistance? Have you applied for or received DD Services in the past? Do you have plans to apply for DD Services in the future?

Idea 3: If you’re applying with another person to support them in class, describe how you know each other.

For example, is the person you’ll be taking the class with a friend, family member, or someone you work for as a Direct Support Staff?

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Describe your connection to the RI DD Service System in the space below:


ABOUT BEING A LEADER

As the name implies, this class is about being a leader. The topics we talk about are non-partisan. That means we don't promote one set of political beliefs over others, and we ask class members to do the same. We also don't focus on specific people who've held a leadership position. Leadership can mean many different things to different people. In this section, we're asking what it means to you.

QUESTION 19: Why are you applying for the Leadership Series?

* This question is required.

In this question, we'd like to know what, or who, motivated you to apply for the Leadership Series. We’ve included a few ideas to help get you started. These are just ideas! You don't need to use them if you already know what you want to say.

Idea 1: How did you hear about the Leadership Series?

Idea 2:  If someone you know is a Leadership Series graduate, did they do or say about their experience that inspired you to apply?

Idea 3: What do you hope to learn or achieve by taking the Leadership Series?

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Explain the why you’re applying for the Leadership Series in the space below:



QUESTION 20: What does it mean to be a leader?

* This question is required.

In this question, we’d like you to share some of your ideas about what it means to be a leader. We’ve included a few ideas to help get you started. These are just ideas! You don't need to use them if you already know what you want to say.

Idea 1: What are some of the qualities that you look for in a leader?

Idea 2: Name someone you think is a good leader and explain what they've done to make you think so.

Idea 3. Talk about a leadership experience that you’ve had. What did you do, and what was the experience like for you? What did you learn from it?

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Share what "being a leader" means to you in the space below:


YOUR SCHEDULE AND HOW YOU SPEND YOUR TIME

In previous years, we’ve asked applicants to describe the things they like to do, places they enjoy going to, and the people they enjoy hanging out with. This year, while we’re still asking the same fundamental question, we also realize that the pandemic has affected so many people in so many ways. Chances are, at least some of the things you do during the day, who you're with, and when or how you do them are much different than before.

QUESTION 21. How do you spend your time and how has the pandemic affected your usual day to day activities?

* This question is required.

In this question, we’d like you to describe how you spend your time during the week. In other words, what does your schedule usually look like? As you explain how you currently spend your time, share some of the ways the pandemic has affected things and what you’ve done to adapt to those changes.

We’ve included a few ideas to help get you started. These are just ideas! You don't need to use them if you already know what you want to say.

Idea 1: If you worked or had a volunteer job, has anything changed about that position?

For example, are you still working the same number of hours? Have your duties on-the-job changed? Has your employer staggered the shifts when people are working so there will be less people in the building at the same time?

Idea 2: What’s changed about how you connect and interact with people outside of your home?

For example, have you become more familiar with using technology, such as Zoom, Google Meet, and other video meeting apps to stay connected?

Idea 3: Describe what’s changed in the type of activities you usually do.

For example, have you had to stop doing certain things? Have you taken up a hobby or started attending events virtually instead of in-person?

Idea 4: Talk about if or how the pandemic affected the type of DD Services you receive during the day.

For example, do you still receive the same amount of services? Do you still have the same support staff? Have you been relying on friends or family because you can’t find other people to work for you? Have you learned to do certain things differently because your staff aren’t there to help you?

Idea 5: Share something positive you’ve seen or experienced that put a smile on your face during these past 10 months.

For example, has it taught you to appreciate certain things or people more? Has it created an opportunity to explore and discover something new, like taking a class or joining an online community?

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Describe the way you spend your time during the week, how the pandemic has affected the things you usually do, and what you've done to adapt to those changes in the space below:


ABOUT AN AMAZING PERSON: YOU!

We designed this section to help us get to know you better by highlighting some of the individual qualities that make you the amazing person you are.

QUESTION 22: What are 5 words or phrases that describe you?

* This question is required.

In this next question, we’d like you to describe yourself in 5 words or short phrases. Your description should be about who you are on the inside, not how you look on the outside. What makes you unique?

Remember, this is your application and this answer is about YOU!

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Share five words or short phrases that capture your personality, individual qualities, and other characteristics in the space below:

Number 1. A word or phrase that describes me is:

Number 2. A word or phrase that describes me is:

Number 3. A word or phrase that describes me is:

Number 4. A word or phrase that describes me is:

Number 5. A word or phrase that describes me is:



QUESTION 23: What is one of your most memorable positive experiences?

* This question is required.

We've all had experiences in life that change our path. They set us apart and make us unique. You might not have thought much about them or shared one with anyone, so here's your opportunity to do it now.

In this question, we’re asking you to share a memorable experience and how it positively affected you. As you consider what to share, remember that even some bad experiences can have positive results. For example, if the tire on your wheelchair broke while you were on your way to a job interview, that would be a bad experience. But if the store owner where you went to get it fixed offered you a job, that would turn it into something positive. 

Your answer doesn’t need to be very long or detailed, but make sure you include why this was a positive experience for you. Let’s face it, 2020 was a rough year; we can all do with an extra dose of positive in 2021!

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Describe one of your most memorable experiences and why it was something positive in the space below: 


FINAL THOUGHTS

You’ve reached the end of the application! If you still have any questions or concerns about joining the Leadership Series, this is the place to share them.

We’ve made some changes to our curriculum and the way we’ll teach the next class. This will be our first experience offering the entire course online. We expect a few speed bumps along the way, but we’re excited about the possibilities that a virtual platform has to offer. (And we don’t just mean needing to cancel class for a few inches of snow or seeing one of our members drop out because they don’t have transportation).

Remote teaching and learning can open up a whole new world of opportunities and connections that are just a few mouse clicks away!

 

QUESTION 24: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

This is the last question and it's optional.

As we mentioned above, we expect a few speed bumps getting started. That’s why we’re thrilled you’re applying. Our team can’t wait to review your application and get to know you better at your interview. The questions and concerns you share will help us improve the Leadership Series experience for everyone. We’d never be able to do it alone, but together we can create something extraordinary!

And speaking of extraordinary, we also encourage every applicant to share your suggestion and ideas for making our virtual learning experience as inclusive and rewarding as possible. What kind of things would you like to see, do, and learn about during our time together? What will it take for everyone in the 2021 Leadership Series to say, “that was the best class ever,” when they graduate?

(Side note to all of our previous graduates: yes, we mean “the best class ever" ... again!)

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With that in mind, we’ll leave you with the space below to ask questions, voice concerns, share ideas, and add anything else that’s on your mind about joining the next Leadership Series class.



Thanks for your interest in the Advocates in Action Leadership Series!

REMEMBER: Applications for the class of 2021 must be completed online and are due no later than
Friday, January 29th, 2021

 

This is a picture of the  calendar for January, 2021.
Friday, January 29th is circled, and shows a hand that is drawing lightening bolts around this date.
There is also a reminder note on the calendar with the words, "the application deadline is Friday, January 29nd".

 

If you need assistance completing the application, we can help!
Send us an email or call our toll-free number:

send us an email at this address: leaders at advocates in action dot o r g.  call our office toll-free at: 1 8 7 7 5 3 2 5 5 4 3


 

  The Class is Free, but Space is Limited | Apply Online Today! 




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