Leadership Academy
The Center for Self-Advocacy Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities gather to learn. We learn to organize, work, advocate and train ourselves and others on how to improve our quality of life.
We all teach. We all learn.
We incorporate programming that helps guide disabled+ and culturally diverse people on how to access technology, resources, facilities and the logistical support necessary for facilitating self-advocacy and leadership meetings.
Everyone is encouraged to build and refine their leadership skills through a variety of opportunities, resources and hands-on experiential opportunities. And we are statewide – all New Mexicans are welcome.
Participants learn, first-hand, how to:
- Effectively complete leadership projects.
- Set and achieve goals.
- Follow and advocate for both local and statewide issues facing people with disabilities.
- Learn the importance of collaboration and network building in effective leadership.
- Become an Academy Team Leader—someone who is able to do peer training, peer coaching and peer mentoring of future Academy fellows.
Who can attend?
The Academy is for individuals with a disability or their family members.
What will you learn?
Our hands-on approach means participants walk away with an active, first-person understanding and demonstrated skill sets in the following areas: disability awareness, disability advocacy, coalition building (leadership), policy and legislation.
- Gain insights into yourself (strengths)
- Network and collaborate with others
- Gain awareness about local and statewide issues facing people with disabilities
- Feel empowered to work to take steps to improve life in your community
When does the Academy start and end?
The Academy starts every Fall and Spring semester in August or January. Attendance can be in person or on Zoom.
Have you been accepted to the Academy?