SLIDE 1: Alt text: IL-NET Logo IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living SLIDE 2: Creating Your Own Peer Network July 22, 2024 NCIL 2024 Washington, DC SLIDE 3: IL-NET Partners Today’s presentation is brought to you by the Administration for Community Living at the US Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the IL-NET. The IL-NET is operated by ILRU and collaborates with NCIL, APRIL, the University of Montana, and a consultant network of subject-matter experts. The IL-NET T&TA Center provides training and technical assistance to centers for independent living, statewide independent living councils, and designated state entities. Image Descriptions: Logos of Independent Living Research Utilization, Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living, National Council on Independent Living, and University of Montana. SLIDE 4: Today’s Presenters: Jeremy Morris, Executive Director, Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council Tyler Morris, Executive Director, CIL Jacksonville Kimberly Tissot, President & Chief Executive Officer, able South Carolina Sandra Breitengross Bitter, Director of Training, IL-NET at ILRU Image Descriptions: Logos of Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council, CIL Jacksonville, Able SC, and Independent Living Research Utilization SLIDE 5: What You Will Learn TodaY The importance of peer support for ourselves as people with disabilities working in IL To create peer support groups that will be supportive, strong, and will challenge you to grow SLIDE 6: Disability Leadership Is Not Easy Ongoing ableism in personal and professional life Needing to adapt or help staff with finding accommodations Seeing and hearing hard situations from consumers and the community Political impacts Staying up-to-date with trends The need to vent and process with a group of people who understand Discrimination from other organizations and funders Leading a movement is hard We Need Our Peers! SLIDE 7: Business Lessons from Taylor Swift Think of your bracelets as being a symbol of your IL network: Exclusivity to Build Anticipation The Power of Friendship Bracelets and Connectivity Playing (And Leading) Acoustically Celebrating Eras Utilizing First Follower Theory The Value of Authenticity “You’ve got no reason to be afraid”. How do you start networking to build your IL Swifties? Forbes, 2023 Alt text: portrait of Taylor Swift SLIDE 8: Three Forms of Networking Operational Personal Strategic Alt text: Web of wires connecting pins SLIDE 9: Operational Networks Goal: Focus is on getting stuff done! Mostly internal and focused on current priorities. Who: Members are based on task and organizational structure. Depth: Strong working relationships are the focus. SLIDE 10: Personal Networks Goal: Enhancing personal and professional growth Contacts are external and focused on your interests or future interests Who: It’s up to you. There is no natural structure. Breadth: Reaching out to those who can connect you to others. SLIDE 11: Strategic Networks Goal: Figuring out future priorities and challenges and getting support for them. Contacts are internal and external—focused toward the future. Who: Membership based on your goals and strategy. Leverage: Creating inside-outside links. SLIDE 12: Benefits of Support Networks Education—Opportunities for continued learning and development Perspective—Exchanging diverse insight Solutions—Collaborating in response to challenges Emotional support—Understanding, empathy, mutual respect Confidentiality—Sharing without fear and judgment Growth—Introducing opportunities, development Expanded network—Connecting professional and peer networks SLIDE 13: Common Barriers to Support Networks Limited existing network—Challenging to find peers Judgment—Fearing the appearance of being less competent Confidentiality & Trust—Concerns about breaches of confidentiality and trust Time Constraints—Demanding schedules make time scarce Ineffective Communication—One-sided communication Unalignable Values—Differing philosophies and ethical norms Organizational Culture—Lacking support for peer connection SLIDE 14: Considerations In Evaluating your Network Relevance—Look for relatable peers Trust—Ensure a high level of confidentiality Communication skills—Seek clear and meaningful dialogue Experience and Expertise—Choose those with relevant experience & expertise Availability—Confirm peers have time and availability Shared values—Align with those with similar values and ethics Diversity—Consider those different backgrounds and leadership styles SLIDE 15: Activating your Support System Collaboration—Working with allies creates more impact. Goals—Setting an expectation Communication—Maintaining regular communications will keep you connected Show up—Attending events and conferences will strengthen connections and create new ones. Support—Offering support and sharing resources creates positive relationships. Humility & Gratitude: Sharing credit and expressing gratitude goes a long way. Be genuine—Building relationships on trust and interest in other’s success will be foundational. Delegate—Asking internal representatives to participate in professional groups/associations will build their leadership skills. SLIDE 16: What’s Working For You? How are you connecting with IL peers outside of conferences? SLIDE 17: Questions & Discussion What are you curious about? What needs clarification or more explanation? SLIDE 18: Resources for Continued Reading Ibarra, H., & Hunter, M. (2007). How Leaders Create and Use Networks. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2007/01/how-leaders-create-and-use-networks Wei-Skillern, J., & Silver, N. (2013). Four Network Principles for Collaboration Success. The Foundation Review, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.4087/FOUNDATIONREVIEW-D-12-0018.1 Crutchfield, L. R., & Grant, H. M. (2012). Forces for good: The six practices of high-impact nonprofits. Jossey-Bass. SLIDE 19: Speaker Contact Information Jeremy Morris, Executive Director, Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council: jmorris@ohiosilc.org Tyler Morris, Executive Director, CIL Jacksonville: tmorris@CILJacksonville.org Kimberly Tissot, President & Chief Executive Officer, able South Carolina: KTissot@able-sc.org Sandra Breitengross Bitter, Director of Training at IL-NET Training &Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living at ILRU SBB.ILRU@gmail.com SLIDE 20: IL-NET T&TA Center Contact Information Sandra Breitengross Bitter, Director of Training at IL-NET Training &Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living at ILRU: SBB.ILRU@gmail.com Alt text: a QR code Paula McElwee, Director of Technical Assistance at IL-NET Training &Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living at ILRU: paulamcelwee.ilru@gmail.com SLIDE 21: Evaluation Survey Your feedback on this webinar is important to us. At the end of the presentation, you will have the opportunity to complete a brief evaluation survey. Evaluation Link: SLIDE 22: IL-NET Attribution The IL-NET is supported by grant numbers 90ILTA0002 and 90ISTA0002 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.