Leadership Academy II Application

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People participating in Leadership Academy II (LA#II) have several things in common. They are consumer/survivors/ex-patients (CSX) who, since graduating from Leadership Academy I (LA#I), have put into practice the skills learned there. They have been involved in numerous ways in the consumer movement in our state. LA#I graduates are now ready to gain additional education, new skills, sharpen old skills and move as strong leaders throughout Maine.

Who We Are:
The Maine Leadership Academy is a self-help program successfully adapted and implemented by the Advocacy Initiative Network of Maine (The Network).

Overview:
The Leadership Academy is an exemplary grassroots program, nationally recognized for its empowering activities in community organizing and action planning for adults with psychiatric disabilities and their families. The Leadership Academy provides a foundation for enhancing consumer skills for effective speaking and civic advocacy and is an evidence-based program with significant outcomes.

The training uses overheads and participant manuals to teach nineteen practical lessons about the etiquette of consumer involvement, identification of issues, and advocacy organizations. This excellent skill-building curriculum is followed up with collaborative projects that foster networking and continued learning.

There is a beginning and advanced "Train-the-Trainers" seminar at which Leadership Academy graduates who have demonstrated interest and aptitude are taught to become trainers at future Academies. Nearly all trainers at Maine’s Academies are non-professional LA graduates.

We have held two Leadership Academy Conferences hosting workshops on relevant topics presented by graduates of the program as well as expert guests. It is our goal to seek funding to hold an annual Maine Leadership Academy Conference. The conference would allow graduates to reconnect with individuals they have met through LA and meet others to exchange ideas, strategies, and insights.

The LA project includes collaboration and referrals from WRAP and Leadership Academy facilitators, drop-in centers, social-clubs, self-help groups, peer groups, behavioral health centers, and other related groups across the state.

What Graduates have to say about Leadership Academy

• 1999 Graduate from Milo-- “I found Leadership Academy to be a very rewarding experience. It gave me the confidence to go back to work. I have had the added opportunity of becoming a Leadership Academy Trainer. It is amazing to see the growth in people after they have attended a Leadership Academy”
• 1999 Graduate from Bangor -- “ I gained the self-confidence to go back to college and get my associate’s degree in computer information. I was elected student of the year and, because of Leadership Academy I’m able to stand up for myself confidently and get my career on track. Leadership Academy was a great experience.”
• 2002 Graduate from Lewiston-- “ Leadership Academy helped me to think faster, to not be shy and speak out when necessary. The people involved are good people.”
• 2003 Graduate from Portland -- “ This was the best training I have ever been to and I have been to a lot of trainings even national trainings. I’m going to go back and tell people how great this was and how much I learned.”
• 2001 Graduate from Bangor -- “The overall process was wonderful! It was educational and offered opportunities for growth and bonding with other participants.”
• 2002 Graduate from Bangor-- “Leadership Academy is good for many who have had no experience in consumer advocacy. It should continue, people need to understand and participate. Anyone would benefit from Leadership Academy.”
• 2002 Graduate from Portland -- “Through Leadership Academy I discovered my ability to go beyond what I thought was the best of my ability.”
• 2003 Graduate from Portland -- “I have been to a lot of trainings, I mean a lot. This was the first time I have ever gone through a training that I have learned so much and had so much fun doing it.”
• 2002 Graduate from Lewiston-- “ A lot of personal growth happened for me at Leadership Academy especially about how to move my life forward. It was a great experience.”
• 2001 Graduate from Augusta-- “I gained more confidence in dealing with issues, more knowledge in how things should be run and gained the skills to work in advocacy meetings and situations”
• 1999 Graduate from South Paris-- “I feel that Leadership Academy helped me improve my communication skills. I’m more articulate, and it encouraged me to meet people.”
• 2002 Graduate from Winterport -- “Leadership Academy helped me learn a lot about how to organize meeting information and break things down into small units for understanding.”
• 2004 Graduate from Milford -- "Leadership Academy showed me the importance of getting involved with my peers to work within the system to promote positive consumer voice and change."