Background

Trainees are enthusiastic and eager for more leadership opportunities within the AUCD network and greater involvement with AUCD Councils. While Councils are open to all AUCD network members at all stages of their careers, including trainees, Councils, and their leadership are eager for increased trainee engagement. As a result, the Council Trainee Representative Program was developed to address the interest and needs of trainees and Council leadership.

Learn more about AUCD's five Councils.

Council Trainee Representative Overview

• One Council Trainee Representative is selected per Council, five representatives in total.
• This leadership opportunity for current trainees starts in September 2024 and ends in May 2025.
• Council Trainee Representatives will attend assigned meetings, receive a Council Mentor, and collaborate with other council trainee representatives. The AUCD staff member and Emerging Leaders Board Representative will facilitate an initial call with all Council Trainee Mentors and Council Trainee Representatives to introduce everyone and ensure there are clear expectations and outcomes of the initiative.
• AUCD will pay for registration for trainees to attend the AUCD Annual Conference (November 3rd-6th, 2024). Council Trainee Representatives will have a chance to be recognized nationally and engage at trainee events during the AUCD Conference.

Council Trainee Representative Responsibilities

• Meet bi-monthly with other Council Trainee Representatives to share information and strategies throughout the term
• Present information about Council priorities and activities during the Council Trainee Representatives group calls.
• Meet monthly with Council Mentor to develop appropriate and relevant trainee leadership opportunities that will have long-term benefits for both participating trainees and the Council (e.g., facilitating communications among Council members, identifying emerging needs that the Council might address, supporting Council-sponsored webinars). This also includes a sustainable trainee leadership project from beginning to end.
• Promote the Emerging Leader Community by contributing to webinars, newsletters, and other forms of communication.
• Attend all Council calls and the annual AUCD Conference
• Time commitment: 4-5 hours a month

Benefits of being a Council Trainee Representative

• Gain a deeper understanding of the AUCD network.
• Learn how Councils function and communicate within the network, the national office, and the Board.
• Gain project management skills in a national non-profit disability organization.
• Relationship building and networking with Council members, other Trainee Council Representatives, AUCD staff, and the Emerging Leaders Community.
• Professional development in cultural responsiveness.
• Recognition at national trainee events.

Application Process

Prior to applying, all interested trainees are encouraged to have a conversation with their Center/Program Director or Training Director about the time commitments associated with the position.

• Please read all the required submitted materials carefully.
• Please share why you would like this position within the selected Council(s)
• Please briefly describe the supports you need, including accommodations, to be successful in this position
• Your resume
• A statement of support from your LEND,  UCEDD, or IDDRC Director or Training Director

Timeline

The application timeline for the 2024-2025 academic year is coming soon!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Mollie Blafer, Emerging Leaders Community Program Manager at [email protected].