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Changes at The Arc US hold promise
Friday, February 1, 2008

It has been a time of great change for The Arc of the United States. Already the preeminent and most respected voice for people with disabilities and their families in the nation’s capital, The Arc has launched efforts to strengthen its connection to its chapters, self-advocates, and families throughout the country.

A search is underway for a new national executive director. With the leadership of Mary Jordan, President of The Arc, there is a renewed excitement about the future for The Arc and they are seeking the right leader to move us to the next level of effectiveness in our mission. We are very fortunate that long-time state executive director John Foley of New Mexico has stepped in and is working as the Acting Executive Director at the national headquarters. His efforts in reorganizing the office area already having an effect in making it more in touch and responsive to our members and chapters. One very visible change he made was scrapping the automated answering service that many leaders and parents found frustrating and worked with one of our local chapters to hire a young man who is doing a marvelous job answering the phone. The Board’s goal is to have a new executive director hired by May. In the meantime the tremendous advocacy of our Governmental Affairs team is representing you on Capital Hill and with the federal government every day on issues from education, healthcare, community services, housing and much more. Visit The Arc web site at www.thearc.org for more information and sign up for our legislative action center.

The second major initiative is coming out of the task force that I was asked to participate in last year. An unprecedented effort has been started to bring together leaders in The Arc with expert national consultants to address critical issues around outreach, participation and governance at the national level. An RFP was issued in January and it will be funded by March in an effort to study what we need to do to strengthen The Arc as a movement and focus the efforts of the national headquarters to make that happen. At a recent meeting of our state executive directors there was great support for this effort.

At that same meeting of state executive directors with John Foley, we had 25 states represented from New York to California. As we went around the room and talked about what was happening in our own states, I was very proud to be part of The Arc. Without a doubt, there is no other organization doing more to promote self-advocacy and family empowerment; address the waiting list, bring significant support in new an innovative ways to families and individuals.

The Arc while facing some challenges is a strong and vibrant force for good and with new ideas and new leadership there are great things in our future. Thank you for making this great national movement possible through your support.