2010 Leadership Development Program for Families

Applications are invited for participants in the 2010 Leadership Development Program for Families. The Program runs from February 2010 to November 2010.

Applications must be received by 1 December 2009 for consideration in the First Round, so that selection can be completed before Christmas. A Second Round of applications will be considered, and must be received by 31 January 2010.

Is this for you?

This is a leadership development program for families (parents/siblings) who meet four criteria:

1. have a family member with challenges (disability, mental illness, chronic illness, aged frailty, addictions, etc);
2. are searching for living solutions for their loved one in social support, accommodation, meaningful paid or voluntary work, or financial security;
3. have experienced obstacles, frustration, and powerlessness along the way; and
4. want to play a leadership role in assisting other families in developing solutions, through both public policy change and social innovation.

Each participant group will be 20-25 in number. Participants will be drawn from around Australia, and may work in state-based groups depending on the total number of participants.

Participants are required to nominate two key challenges that they are facing at the start of the program, and each group will participate in a shared search for solutions to these challenges as they move through the year.

The 10 month program is auspiced by the National Federation of Parents, Families and Carers.

What will it do?

The program will consist of:

1. Three residential weekends for vision, learning and skill development;
2. One three day tour of arrangements/models;
3. Online learning program with a focus on key case studies and models;
4. Shared group input into two nominated challenges facing the participants over the course of the 10 months; and
5. Occasional forums, dinners and meetings.

Our Program Director

Diane Gow from Melbourne is the Program Director.

Di has worked in the disability field for 35 years, and is passionate about family support and empowerment, social inclusion and community building. She has worked in the UK and Australia in planning person and family-centred solutions to the challenges facing families with loved ones who have complex issues. She has three sons and a foster child.

How much does it cost?

Prospective participants are encouraged to seek a Sponsor to meet the cost of participation in the program, which is $3,000 + GST.

Sponsors may be:

1. Philanthropic or charitable bodies; service clubs; or corporates;

2. Service providers or advocacy organisations;

3. Government agencies; or

4. Participants may self-fund.

The Participation Fee includes:

- accommodation, meals and incidental costs for three residential weekends, and one three day tour;
- meals and incidental costs for occasional forums, dinners and meetings;
- resource materials and access to an online learning program;
- online networking connections throughout the program;
- access to the Program Director throughout the program; and
- transport subsidies.

When do I need to register?

Applications for consideration in the First Round must be received by 1 December 2009, so that selection can be completed before Christmas. A Second Round of applications will be considered, and must be received by 31 January. An online registration form is available here.

Applicant should note the four criteria for selection in the program, and should outline in the online form how they meet these criteria and how they expect to benefit from the program. The names of two referees are also required.

Prospective applicants who have not yet secured a sponsor may indicate their interest in participation, pending finalisation of Sponsorship or payment arrangements.