Make a difference in the lives of Iowans with disabilities!
Apply if you are interested in the opportunity to create change in the lives of Iowans living with mental health disabilities by working with a passionate and committed Board on advancing Disability Rights Iowa’s mission: Advocates for justice. Advances human and legal rights. Protects Iowans with disabilities. The term of a PAC member is four years with the option of serving an additional second term of four years. PAC members are volunteers and may resign before the end of their term for any reason.
Council member Eligibility:
If you are one or more of the below, consider applying.
- Resident of Iowa
- An individual receiving or who has received mental health services
- A family member of an individual who is receiving or who has received mental health services; including parents of minor children who are or have received services, or
- Community members interested and knowledgeable about the issues and concerns of Iowans who receive mental health services and their families.
Council Member criteria:
The PAC will seek to represent all Iowans living with mental health disabilities in Iowa and will consider criteria including;
- A sincere awareness of and interest in protecting the legal rights of Iowans receiving mental health services.
- A desire to promote DRI’s mission, vision, and core values statewide.
- Individuals living anywhere within the state of Iowa
- Skills and an interest in areas helpful to DRI, such as a mental health provider, a mental health professional, attorney
- A commitment to participate in efforts to increase DRI’s capacity to complete its mission.
Application Process:
DRI has a short application on its website. The applications received will be reviewed against current PAC composition requirements. Applicants that meet current PAC composition requirements will be interviewed by a member of the PAC. Recommendations will be submitted to the full PAC for consideration. In the selection process the PAC will make decisions based on eligibility and criteria outlined above.
Advisory Council duties:
PAC members are responsible for working with the Board of Directors on developing DRI’s Areas of Focus and working policies. PAC members also advise the Board and DRI’s Executive Director on an ongoing basis on issues and concerns affecting Iowans with mental health disabilities and their families.
The PAC has no financial responsibilities.
The PAC is required to submit an annual report to the agencies federal funding partner for the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness with their assessment of the agencies work for the previous fiscal year.
How many members are on the PAC?
The maximum number of PAC members is nine.
What is the time commitment of PAC members?
PAC members are expected to attend three meetings a year, two meetings jointly with the Board, and one PAC only meeting.
