Newsletter April 2024

April 2024

2024 Conference Classes

As we prepare for the 2024 People First Conference we invite you to share your input on the classes you’d like to see during the conference. Your voice matters, and we want to ensure that the conference offers relevant and engaging content.

Each People First group should vote on their top three class preferences. These classes will shape the conference agenda. Advisors have received a list of previous class offerings from 2010 to 2023. However, feel free to propose new ideas beyond those lists.

Please send your top classes to Alexis Ullmann at alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org or

304-422-3151 Ext 114 by April 26th, 2024.

Mid-Year Training

This is a reminder the Mid-Year Training will take place on May 15th, 2024 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. As per a vote at the March Teleconference we will be having at Jackson’s Mill in the Greenbrier Room (the room below the dinning hall). The training topic will be more on Internet Safety.

At the Advisory Board Meeting following Mid-Year Training, we will also vote on the classes and t-shirt design and color for this year. We ask each People First Group to send us their top 3 favorite classes. These classes can be from previous years’ conferences or new classes. These submissions need to be in by April 26th, 2023. We will use these submissions to create a master list for voting.

The registration will open for Mid-Year Training on April 8th, 2024. You must be registered by May 8th, 2024 in order to attend. If you are attending in person and have dietary restrictions or allergies please put that on your registration.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! The theme for this year is Building Connected Communities! While the number of sexual assault cases are daunting, we can help spread awareness to this important topic!
The goal of being connected supports making choices that promote health, safety, and well-being.

Sexual assault, harassment, and abuse can happen anywhere to anyone at any time. It is most common that unwanted sexual abuse comes from someone we know, like friends, family members, classmates, coworkers, or ex-partners. This can often make it hard to recognize an awkward or unwanted experience as having been sexual assault. There are ways to make your voice heard and show support.

On April 24th, Denim Day will be observed worldwide.
J
oin millions of people worldwide who will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Post your pics wearing denim on social media platforms such as Facebook or X using the hashtag #SAAM2024! For more information and resources you can visit
https://www.alexandrahouse.org/sexual-assault-awareness-month/
or the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information &Services at
www.fris.org
!

Legislative Matters Now!

This month Morgan speaks to advocate in action Amy Noble who talks about her life that she lives  just like everyone else with the help of her sister Karen. She also talks about using a wheelchair and how things could be done to make it easier for her and others. She recently went to the WV State Capitol and didn’t find it very accessible.

Visit our Youtube page to watch the full video by
Click Here
.

2024 T-Shirt Design Contest

Designs are due by April 5th, 2024!!!!

For the first time we are holding a t-shirt design contest for the 2024 conference t-shirt. The guidelines are as follows

o  
You must be a self-advocate in WV to enter

o  
Has to have the theme words in the design

o  
Live It! Learn It! Love It!

o  
The design can be hand drawn or done on a computer but it must be your original artwork

o  
Maximum of 3 colors can be used in the design. Including black or white

o  
You are designing the Front of the shirt, the back with be the People First Logo

o  
The design must fit into 12 inches by 12 inches square

o  
The design must be simple, overly detailed designs will be lost on the shirt

T
he deadline to submit your design is April 5th,2024. You have three options to send us your design:

– Email it to Alexis Ullmann at alexis.ullmann@thearcmov.org and Morgan Spicer at morgan.spicer@thearcmov.org.

– Send a picture through messenger to our People First of West Virginia Facebook page.

– Fax it to 304-865-2072.

If you have any questions please contact Alexis Ullmann at alexis.ullmann@theearcmov.org

IDD- Waiver

Advocates, it is time to make your voice heard on a very important bill that supports the IDD Waiver Program! In the current bill it will cut vital funding that many people in our community use.

There are some ways you can help raise awareness and spread the word! You can join the Title XIX Waiver Facebook page for up to date information! The Arc of Mid-Ohio Valley’s website has a section just for this which will show you ways you can advocate! You can visit
https://thearcmov.org/dont-cut-our-lifeline/
.

A rally is being held on April 14th at 2:00 pm at the State Capitol in Charleston! Come wearing red and show your support.