1. Personal Goals and Aspirations as a Council Member
Val
This session is going to include a process and discussion to help you develop a plan to reach your personal goals as a Council member and be an active and effective council member. I would like for each of you to start by reflecting on why you decided to become a Council member and what you thought you could accomplish by committing yourself to and aligning yourself with this Council.
It may help to also consider your strengths, passions and goals for changes in how our society supports and includes people with disabilities that led you to being on this council. 1 1

2. Identifying Your Passions
Considering the areas of emphasis, list the things that you are passionate about and desire changes in services and supports for people with developmental disabilities
Health
Education
Employment
Housing
Transportation
Recreation
Formal and Informal Community Supports
Child Care
Val
Consider the major areas that the Council addresses and determine which of these are most important to you. There are some areas that you may be passionate about but may need to gain more knowledge in – and that is okay. That will come out in the next phase when you set a personal goal. Review the list and determine those areas that you feel are most needed to be addressed for Louisiana citizens with developmental disabilities. What specific area or areas do you want to effect the most change during your time as a council member?
Think about what you would describe as your ‘number one passion.’ Try to think broadly, beyond yourself or your child. What systems issues are you passionate about that affect people with developmental disabilities? Jot these down on a piece of paper.
Let’s briefly discuss some of your passions and interests (5-10 minutes). {Ask anyone if they would be interested in sharing which area(s) they chose and why that is important to them. What needs to change?} 2 2

3. Developing a Personal Plan
Identify the resources to access information related to your passions
What resources and supports do you need to be better informed?
Align your passions and aspirations with Council committees, activities and initiatives
What steps will you take to influence change?
Recognizing the difference between individual issues and systemic issues
Val
As a Council member you will be asked to provide guidance and feedback on a variety of topics, policies and services for people with developmental disabilities. This requires us to be informed about the various programs, policies, regulations and practices that impact the lives of people with developmental disabilities.
The first question is whether we have enough information to make specific plans and recommendations in the areas we care about.
Let’s take a minute to determine whether we have the information or knowledge that is needed – or whether we know how to stay informed on the ever-changing status of services, policies and regulations. Can you identify the source of information that will keep you informed? If not, the first step is to identify this source. The Council staff may be able to help you identify some sources of information. You should seek and participate in various committees and stakeholder groups with the agency primarily responsible for the area you are interested in changing.
One strategy is to look at the list of committees and groups that other council members are on to give yourself ideas of how else you might become more involved. Ask the Council members what the group they are on does and determine whether you should also consider joining.
DISCUSSION: {Have someone share if they are not certain of how to get more information on their topic of interest and allow others to share sources of information related to that topic.}
Next is to determine how we will align our passions and aspirations with the Council. The first step is to determine which of the Council committees best aligns with your interests. While some of you have already chosen a committee, you may determine that your interests lead you to changing committees. There are also many stakeholder meetings and committees that meet to determine recommendations on a variety of topics. These occur at the local, regional, and state levels.
There are many ways to represent the Council and affect change. {Ask new and veteran members to share examples of how council members can affect systems change. Also have discussion and give examples of the difference between working on individual council member personal issues and system issues.}
{Ask if anyone has any questions about how to become more involved and/or discover the opportunities for participation.}
The council leadership and staff will provide support to any member who needs it so that member can be an effective council member. If you need resources or support, just let the staff know. 3 3