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Letter from the CEO |
Peter V. Berns
CEO of The Arc |
Cause-Marketing Successes
One of our goals here at the national office is to develop a cause marketing partnership with one or more major national companies that will benefit chapters of The Arc, nationwide. As we move in this direction, it would be helpful to understand what type of cause marketing partnerships may already be in existence at the state and local level throughout The Arc network. For definitional purposes (according to Wikipedia), cause marketing “refers to a type of marketing involving the cooperative efforts of a ‘for profit’ business and a non-profit organization for mutual benefit.” Common examples include corporate underwriting of cause advertising, nonprofit endorsements of a product/service, and donations tied to sales. Does your chapter have a successful cause marketing partnership with businesses in your community? If so, is the marketing partnership you’ve created something that could be replicated by chapters elsewhere in the U.S. with local businesses in their community. Please let me know about your experiences with cause marketing via email to berns@thearc.org. I look forward to hearing from you. |
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Resources & Opportunities |
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Feedback Requested for Proposed Revisions to Position Statements
Don’t forget to submit your comments on the positions statements which are up for review by May 31. The Arc is seeking feedback from Chapters on the revised Employment, Health, Housing, and Physician Assisted Suicide position statements prior to final drafting for presentation to The Arc’s Board of Directors and Delegates at The Arc’s Annual Meeting in October. For more information, to read the statements, and to provide your feedback, visit our website. You will need to be logged in to the For Chapters section of thearc.orgto access. |
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Survey Seeks Information about Victimization of People with I/DD
Participate in the California Think Tank on Abuse of People with Disabilities surveyon the attitudes, experiences of individuals who have encountered abuse either as victims or through their professions. The surveywas created to help advocates and professionals better understand what victims are saying about their abuse experiences and how professionals view their experiences with abuse/crime victims. The survey gathers information about incidents of abuse as well as attitudes regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of official responses to such victimization. The results will be shared with those who shape public policy and fund abuse-response programs, those who investigate and prosecute complaints of abuse, those who promote more effective protection and response systems, and people with disabilities and their families. |
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Register Now for the NCE Summer Leadership Institute
It’s almost time to head to Indianapolis – home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Brickyard 400 – for the NCE Summer Leadership Instituteto network and learn with leaders of The Arc and professionals in I/DD community from across the country. Map out a “Blueprint for Change – flight, fight or focus” July 26 – 29 at the Omni Downtown Indianapolis. Get program information and register now for special early hotel and conference rates at ncearc.org. |
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The Arc is Looking for Entrepreneurs
Is there an ambitious entrepreneur with I/DD associated with your chapter? Be sure to tell them about an opportunity for businesspeople with I/DD to purchase an exhibit at The Arc’s National Convention this October and sell their products or services to more than 700 attendees. We’re offering a special rate for individuals to be part of Entrepreneur Alley in The Marketplace. Although the rate is very affordable, transportation to and accommodations in Washington, D.C. can be prohibitive. If your chapter can afford to subsidize exhibiting for an entrepreneur, The Arc will recognize your contribution in the official event program book. Contact Wendy Katz at katz@thearc.orgfor more information. |
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Grants and Funding Opportunities Available
CVS Caremark Community Grants Program offers funding for organizations serving children with disabilities and the uninsured.Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofits in states with CVS/pharmacy stores for programs that help children with disabilities lead full lives, and for efforts to help the uninsured receive quality healthcare. Deadline to apply is October 31. And, Kendal Charitable Funds offers grants for innovative new programs to improve the lives of older adults. Grants of up to $25,000 are available to nonprofits for projects to enhance the lives of older adults through services, research, and/or developing new understandings of the potential for aging well. Deadline to apply is June 15. |
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The Arc of Chester County Seeks Executive
The Arc of Chester County (PA) is seeking a seasoned, self motivated and innovative Executive Directorwith a Master’s degree in Social Work, other Human Services area, or Nonprofit Management preferred and a minimum 10 years’ administrative experience required, preferably with a nonprofit organization and including personnel management, budgeting, fundraising, public relations and work with volunteers. Please send resumes and letters of intent along with compensation requirements to executivedirectorsearch@arcofchestercounty.orgby May 31. |
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News & Action Items |
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Autism NOW Director to Present at National Conference
Tonia Ferguson, the director of Autism NOW, the National Resource and Information Center and The Arc’s National Initiatives is scheduled to present at The National Leadership Autism Conference for families, professionals and educators in Washington, D.C. May 31-June 1. She’ll share information about Autism NOW and other projects of The Arc designed to benefit the Autism community and the work The Arc is doing to provide more and more resources for individuals on the Autism spectrum and their families. Get more information about the conference or register to attend at autismDC.com. |
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Social Security Statements Available Online
An online version of the Social Security Statement is now available at socialsecurity.gov. The new online Statement provides eligible workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information. In addition, the portal also includes links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability and Medicare. For more information about the new online Statement, please go to socialsecurity.gov/mystatement. |
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Rally Protests Cuts in Pennsylvania
As Pennsylvanians are facing up to 20% cuts in I/DD services under the governor’s proposed budget, a rally was held which included advocates from The Arc of Pennsylvania sporting pins to draw attention to The Arc’s “Don’t Cut Our Lifeline” campaign efforts to protect Medicaid. |
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Nominate Someone for The Arc’s Advocacy Matters! Award
The Arc is seeking nominations for its 2012 Advocacy Matters! Awardhonoring an advocate or advocates who achieved a significant advocacy victory in the past year that improved life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or their families. The award recognizes advocacy that promotes and protects the civil and human rights of people with disabilities or that increases resources, services and supports that promote their full inclusion and participation in community life. While the victory must have been achieved in the past two years (2010-2012), the work may have been progressing over multiple years and may have involved a broad range of advocacy strategies and techniques, such as community organizing, lobbying, public education, media relations or litigation. The award is open to individuals or organizations working under the banner of The Arc or as part of a coalition in which The Arc’s role was visible and prominent. To nominate a worthy candidate for this prestigious recognition, please download the instructionsand complete the nomination form. The winner will be honored at The Arc’s National Convention and International Forumin Washington, D.C. October 25-28. Please submit your nomination by June 27, 2012. Questions, contact Laurie Ertz at ertz@thearc.orgor 202-534-3708. |
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Online Education Opportunities |
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Don’t Miss May E-Learning Series Sessions
Every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. ET, The Arc offers opportunities for chapters to learn about and discuss topics important to the I/DD community without ever leaving your office. On May 31 be sure to catch certified speaking professional Gregg Gregory. Sign up now and save with a special rate of only $35 for The Art of Communicating and Collaboratingand share with others in your network. This special session is open to the general public who can register using this link. Check out the full schedule. |
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Build Your Annual Giving Program with a Free Webinar
A special free fundraising webinar Tuesday, May 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET – Join Michael Quevli, Senior Consultant from Blackbaud Target Analytics, for this free webinar. Now that you have the names, what are your next steps? Putting together an annual giving program is the next step. This webinar will cover steps you want to have in place before implementing your program, writing an appeal, having realistic expectations and the importance of tracking your moves along the way. Email Laura Schroederto reserve your spot today! |
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Discover Branding Resources for Chapters
Have you adopted The Arc’s new brand but not sure how to begin implementing? The Arc has developed a set of resources to help you use and promote the brand from a free stock image library for marketing materials to an online storefront where you can purchase stationery and promotional items. Find out more about what’s available and how you can access these valuable materials during a webinar Tuesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET especially for chapters who are using or considering adopting The Arc’s new brand identity. Register today! |
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Exclusive NCE Webinar
Register nowto find out what NTEN, the National Conference of Executives of The Arc’s exclusive technology network can do for you. This May 24 Webinar at 2 p.m. ET is exclusive to NCE members. Not a member of NCE? Join today and take advantage of this learning opportunity, NTEN and other benefits designed just for leaders of Chapters of The Arc. |
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Sharing Membership and Development Strategies
Join us for a FREE webinar on Thursday, June 7 at 2 p.m. ET to share your knowledge and experience and learn from other chapters large and small what works (and what doesn’t!) when it comes to recruiting members and encouraging donations. Let’s have an open conversation that will enable all of us at the local, state and national level to grow our membership programs and connect with each other for mutual gain. Part of this Webinar will cover whether having a strong relationship with a national organization make a difference locally. Register today! |
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Chapter Focus |
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Chapters Share Success Stories Online
In this and upcoming issues of Fusion, The Arc will feature news from Chapters participating in The Arc and Walmart Foundation-funded School-to-Community Transition Initiative. Forty-nine Chapters across the country have been awarded grants specifically to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their communities overcome issues related to transitioning from school to work, higher education or living in the community as an adult. Learn how STAR, Inc. in Connecticut partnered with Norwalk Community College to support students with I/DD during class time and in campus life. Get more inspirational stories from other Chapters working on transition issues on our website. |
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Summer Program Explores Independent Living
The Arc Jacksonville has created LIFE (Living Independently; Finding Enrichment) Experience, an independent living opportunity for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program allows parents and participants to discover the possibilities of living independently during two 4-week sessions starting June 3. Participants live in four-bedroom/four-bathroom apartments with three participants and a “Housing Mentor.” College-age AmeriCorps members provide guidance and assistance to participants through experiential learning experiences. Check out the program applicationor contact their office at (904) 620-3890 or kwyland@arcjacksonville.orgfor more information. |
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