Fw: New Sibling Project Created Just for YOU!

[Guest guest]

FYI

Ellen

Ellen Garber Bronfeld

egskb@...

New Sibling Project Created Just for YOU!

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your browser.

The Arc Launches Sibling Project with New Partnership

Earlier this month, The Arc announced a new partnership with the national

Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) and formed The Arc’s National Sibling Council

to foster the active involvement of siblings of individuals with intellectual

and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The sibling relationship is unique and

siblings are critical to ensuring the full inclusion and participation of their

loved ones in all aspects of life. The partnership with SLN and the National

Sibling Council will connect siblings with each other and offer them

opportunities to impact policy, service delivery and the quality of life for

millions of Americans with I/DD through specialized programming, events and

opportunities to connect.

We invite you to find out more about this new partnership and join the

National Sibling Council today. Your membership in The Arc at the local, state

or national level entitles you to be a part of the National Sibling Council and

take advantage of opportunities created specifically for siblings of individuals

with I/DD. Be the first to know about unique programs and resources as they

become available from the Sibling Leadership Network, network with and find

support from other siblings who share your concerns, attend events designed just

for siblings and contribute to the leadership of The Arc with your valuable

perspective.

“Families, including siblings, built The Arc into what it is today, and

these initiatives build upon their decades-long work in the disability movement.

Siblings don’t always recognize their own unique ability to impact their loved

one’s life, and the lives of millions of other siblings just like them across

the country, just by banding together, supporting each other, and speaking

up,†said V. Berns, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc. “There is a

tremendous opportunity in communities throughout the country to harness the

power of siblings as advocates, working hand-in-hand with their brothers and

sisters with I/DD, as a force for change. Siblings are a critical part of the

movement to protect the rights of people with I/DD to be included in society.â€

Be a part of the new Council by joining online today, a broad network of

siblings supporting the advocacy and programmatic efforts of The Arc at all

levels. As a member, you will not only receive the benefits that your chapter

and our national organization already provide, but will become part of The

Arc’s leadership, participating in ad-hoc committees, task forces and

face-to-face and online networking opportunities. The council will offer support

and guidance and give members the chance to shape programs and offerings unique

to their role as a sibling.

Those interested in becoming Contributors to the Council, by donating

additional funds, will ensure the establishment and sustainability of this

essential new program. Go to the “I Am A Sibling†page on our website to

learn more, join or contribute and be sure to tell other siblings you know about

this unique new opportunity.

“Being a sibling of a person with I/DD is interesting, funny,

frustrating, proud, challenging, loving and respectful. Growing up with my

sister Martha, I could usually convince my parents to let her try something they

were worried that she could not do by telling them that I would do it with her.

How amazing it would have been to hear another sibling’s stories - to learn

how to manage something differently, to share anger, to boast of an achievement

that to my friends might seem trivial, but another sibling ‘knows’ the

triumph. The Sibling Leadership Network and The Arc’s National Sibling Council

are welcoming networks that identify with siblings, help them connect with

information and with other siblings, and learn how to partner and to

advocate.†- Webster, Vice President of the National Board of The Arc of

the United States and sibling to sister Martha who has I/DD.

The Arc 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006

Phone: 800.433.5255 | Contact Us

Privacy Policy | Email Preferences © 2012 The Arc

If you do not want to receive future email from The Arc, please

e-mail us with the words " Unsubscribe from Future Email " in the subject line.