You've reached the application page for the Leadership Series Class of 2025.

CLICK HERE if you already know about next year's class and are ready to complete the application.

Otherwise, continue reading to learn about our Eligibility Requirements, the class schedule, and how to apply for next year's Leadership Series.

You can also visit our Leadership Series page to learn more about the class and the topics we cover during our time together.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 Leadership Series is Friday, January 17th, 2024

About the Advocates in Action Leadership Series

The Leadership Series is an in-depth learning experience that's user-friendly, interactive, informative, and fun! We created the Series with a team of Self-Advocates and other allies to empower Rhode Islanders age 18 and older who have an Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) to speak up for themselves, navigate the DD System, connect with the community, and live life on their own terms, just like everyone else does! While the Series is designed primarily for individuals who have an I/DD, family members, staff, and friends who will be supporting a class member are also welcome to apply.

The 2025 Series begins with a virtual retreat on Wednesday, February 5th, from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., followed weekly classes from February 12th to June 25th. Classes will be held over Zoom on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. There will also be several opportunities for in-person meetings during our time together.

Click here or on the image below to download a 2-page information flyer about the class of 2025.

Eligibility and Graduation Requirements

To join the Leadership Series, you must be a Rhode Island resident with a developmental disability, age 18 or older, or celebrating your 18th birthday in 2024. If someone will be supporting you in class, they should also complete an application.

Although there's no charge to participate, we do have a set of requirements that you must meet in order to graduate. We've included a PDF copy of these requirements, along with a video companion, below. We encourage applicants to review the video and download a copy of the requirements. We'll also review this information during the interview that all applicants must attend once they've submitted their application form.

And while you don't need to read or write to be in next year's class, you do need a way to send and receive email, whether you use your own address, or one that belongs to a family member, friend, or support staff. In addition, because the class is virtual, you'll also need a way to participate using the Zoom video app, and the ability to go online for homework assignments, team games and other activities.

Click here or on the image below to download a PDF copy of our 2025 Graduation Requirements.

View the Leadership Series Graduation Requirements Video Companion:

About the Application Form & Application Process

We've included some tips that may help with the application process in the space below, and recommend reviewing each of them before you open the application form.

1) About QuestionPro: We created the 2025 Leadership Series Application with a tool called QuestionPro and are managing it through their site. The full address for the online form is https://advocatesinaction.questionpro.com/LS2025, which means it will open on the QuestionPro website instead of ours.

2) Video Companions: We've included a video companion for each part of the application, which you can use to hear the question read aloud and explained.

The companions are located on the top left of the text. Click or tap the video player once to turn it on and again to turn it off. We've included an image of the player below for reference:

We host these videos on the Advocates in Action YouTube Channel, which means you can use YouTube's accessibility features to turn on closed captions and translate the form into your preferred language. Click on these words to open our YouTube Tutorials page for information about using and translating captions in the YouTube Player.

3) Preview the Questions: The application must be completed online, but we've included a plain text copy of the questions below. You're welcome to save this file and go over the questions before you complete the online form.

4) Join us for a Virtual Open House: Meet members of our Leadership Series team to learn more about next year's class! Use the links below to register:

5) Ok, you've submitted your application, now what? Once you've submitted your application, our team here at Advocates in Action will review your application and send you a copy of your completed form, along with instructions for scheduling your interview. Remember to check your email and contact us at leaders@advocatesinaction.org if you haven't received our message within 24 hours after you submitted your completed application. Be sure and include the name and email address you used on the form and the date you applied when you send this message.

Everyone who applies for next year's class, including support staff, must attend an interview. If you're taking the class with a support person, please coordinate your schedules so you can interview together.

Interviews last approximately 20 minutes and will take place virtually using the Zoom Video App on the days and times listed below. Note: You need to submit your completed application before you can schedule an interview.

Interview Days: Tuesday, January 21st | Wednesday, January 22nd | Thursday, January 23rd | Friday, January 24th

Interview Times: Your interview will last approximately 20 minutes. Appointments are available between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm.

6) We're here to help: If you have any questions about the application process, or would like assistance completing the online form, use the button below to email us at leaders@advocatesinaction.org and someone from our Leadership team will be in touch.

7) Remember: This is a No Stress Situation! The application includes 20 questions, which may sound like a lot, but the majority of the answers are up to you. That means the only way you can get them wrong is by leaving them blank.

And if you're unsure about an answer, that's not a problem, either! Give it your best try and let us know if you're not sure about an answer by writing that on the form. Doing so won't disqualify your application. It simply means we'll spend some time talking about that question during your interview. So relax, take your time, and remember to send us a message if you'd like some help completing the form.

8) Don't Miss the Deadline! As a reminder, applications for the 2025 Leadership Series are due no later than Friday, January 17th. There's no cost to be part of the Leadership Series, but space is limited. We encourage everyone who's interested to apply as soon as possible!

Click here to start the application process!

Dates to Remember:

Virtual Open House #1: Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, 7:00-8:00 pm

Virtual Open House #2: Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, 1-2 pm

Application Deadline: Friday, January 17th, 2025

Leadership Series Interviews: Tuesday, January 21st - Friday, January 24th, 2025

Kick-Off Retreat: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

Weekly Classes: Wednesday afternoons, 1:00 - 2:30 pm, February 12th - June 25th, 2025

Graduation Ceremony: June, 2025

This Page was updated on:
December 8, 2024