Advocacy Institute Inc

Programs: Advocacy institute, inc. , ("aii") provides community-inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families. To this end, aii realized the following achievements during fiscal year 2012: delivered trainings on non-profit formation and tax-exemption in charlotte for 10 individuals. Provided consultative services to local charlotte church on non-profit formation and tax-exemption. Delivered leadership and disability advocacy training to 42individuals who are either parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, or self-advocates (adults with developmental disabilities) as a contractor to the nc council on developmental disabilities. Aii conducted the 8-weekend session trainings in raleigh, nc at the sheraton hotel. Guest presenters were brought in who provided experiential-learning on various topics including: the history of disability; inclusive-education; government-funded services; self-determination; boards/commissions and parliamentary procedure; state and federal legislative process; housing; employment; effective use of the media. Participants also delivered mock-testimony at the state legislative building. Conducted 2 regional trainings to graduates of the training program in asheville and raleigh, nc. Traveled extensively to asheville to support parents and self-advocates to remain engaged in disability advocacy. Developed marketing materials for external distribution concerning aii's collaborative project with the nccdd. Worked on improved internal, administrative systems-file storage and retrieval, staffing, added accounting service support, reporting, policies and procedures, training recruitment systems. Worked on improved external, administrative systems-new and improved website. Collaborated with consulting firm, legacy partners, llc, to improve training outcomes, and participant follow-up systems. Hosted several board-related functions to recruit new board members and engage existing members.