Idaho Self Advocacy Leadership Network

Mission Statement

The Idaho Self-Advocate Leadership Network (SALN) has local organizations (chapters) where we come together in a supportive environment, to build relationships, mentor each other, learn new skills, gain new experiences and have a good time. We have SALN chapters in Moscow, Nampa, Boise, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. We are working to form SALN chapters other communities as well.

Information

Life is what you make it. The Idaho Self Advocate Leadership Network (SALN) advances equality through growth, education and advocacy by providing opportunities so individuals with developmental disabilities may achieve their greatest unique potential.

What is a Self Advocate? They are people who:

• speak for themselves;
• explain their needs and wants; and
• take responsibility.

SALN prepares Self Advocates to be involved in their community, to speak with authority about issues that impact them, and to educate decision-makers about these issues at a local & state level.

Local chapters across Idaho include Moscow, Nampa, Boise, Pocatello, Idaho Falls. Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls and Emmett, and they are actively working to start new chapters.

Each chapter chooses what issues they want to tackle, what activities they want to do. From spaghetti feeds to film screenings to advocacy workshops, their work is all about building growth and positive change.

Objectives 2014

Build organization capacity by growing from 5 to 8 active Idaho SALN chapters led by people with developmental disabilities. We work to create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to empower themselves and become involved; learn leadership skills; mentor each other to be advocates on public policies; and participate in other organizations, boards and coalitions, not as token but as valued, contributing members working for change in our community and our state.

Objectives 2013

Build organization capacity by growing from 4 to 8 active WALN chapters in Idaho led by people with developmental disabilities. We call ourselves “self-advocates” and work to create opportunities so others with developmental disabilities will empower themselves to become involved, learn leadership skills, mentor each other to be advocates on public policies, and participate in other organizations, boards, and coalitions not as tokens but as valued, contributing members working for change in our community and our state.