PROJECT SETA PROGRAM
Students Enhancing Their Advocacy (SETA) is a one-year advocacy training program for inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) students. Students selected for this program will receive training and mentorship related to advocacy, leadership, and professionalism. This project is funded by Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and aims to develop a coalition of student leaders with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are prepared to take the helm of Georgia’s advocacy movement upon graduation from their IPSE programs.
Didactic Lessons
For ten months, Project SETA students will participate in virtual sessions with the Center for Leadership in Disability’s Training and Advocacy Manager and Community Advocate Specialist. During these monthly calls, students will receive didactic instruction related to advocacy, leadership, and professionalism.
Curriculum Outline
During this session, students, on-campus mentors, and caregivers will receive an overview of the program, engage in team-building exercises, and sign agreement forms stating that they will complete all program requirements.
Prior to this session, the students will complete the Values in Action (VIA) Inventory. The VIA is a positive psychology assessment that assesses an individual’s character strengths. This assessment helps individuals understand their unique strengths and how they contribute to their leadership. During the session, we will explain the 24-character strengths and have students engage in self-reflection pertaining to their results.
During this session, we will introduce the students to the concept of leadership and provide strategies utilized by effective leaders. Students will engage in discussions about what leadership means to them, how they demonstrate leadership, and if they consider themselves a leader. This session will additionally include a panel of advocate leaders.
During the session, we will answer the following questions:
- What is self-advocacy?
- Why is it important to advocate for yourself and others?
- How does one express their wants and needs?
- What is the disability rights movement?
This session will be facilitated in-person. It will be 4 hours in length and contain a catered lunch. The session will focus on how to write and deliver an elevator speech. We will also discuss the dos and don’ts of networking. We will be inviting individuals from the disability community to join us for a networking luncheon. Participants will be reimbursed for their travel.
This session will focus on effective communication, body language, and the differences between passive, assertive, and aggressive communication.
This session will focus on electronic communication and conflict resolution.
This session will introduce students to professional behavior and dress, as well as how to conduct oneself during an interview. During this month’s mentoring sessions, we will review the participant’s resumes and LinkedIn accounts to ensure they are up to date and accurately reflect the student’s achievements and goals.
This session will prepare students for their on-campus Students will receive tips on how to be a successful public speaker.
This session will outline the benefits of ongoing professional mentorship. Additionally, students will reflect on their mentoring experience throughout Project SETA.
Mentoring
Project SETA students will receive on-campus mentorship, as well as mentorship from the Center for Leadership in Disability’s Community Advocate Specialist. Mentoring sessions will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the program, practice skills, and preview materials. Students will be divided into two mentoring groups and will attend biweekly sessions on Mondays from 10-10:30 am.
- During their initial mentoring session, students will set one goal they would like to accomplish by the end of Project SETA. The Training and Advocacy Manager will lead this session and complete a goal setting document for each student that outlines the following:
- What would you like to accomplish?
- Why is this goal important to you?
- Who can help you achieve this goal?
- What supports do you need to achieve this goal?
- What steps should you take to achieve this goal?
- Students will review their goal setting document with the Project SETA team at the midway point of the program, as well as during their final mentoring session.
- Students will meet with their on-campus mentor for 30-60 minutes each month to discuss the content being covered in Project SETA and receive support completing any required assignments.
Campus Redeliveries
After completing all ten didactic sessions, each Project SETA student will be required to redeliver 1.5-2 hours of content to the other students within their IPSE program. Redeliveries will introduce students to the following:
- Basics of Self-Advocacy
- Tips for Being Assertive
- How to Write and Deliver an Elevator Speech
- Elevator speeches will include information about the IPSE legislative ask
Project SETA students will participate in practice sessions with the Training and Advocacy Manager and Community Advocate Specialist prior to their redelivery. Additionally, the Training and Advocacy Manager and Community Advocate Specialist will attend their in-person redeliveries to serve as co-trainers and provide feedback and support. This activity allows Project SETA students to utilize the skills learned within the program and introduce their peers to the fundamentals of advocacy. Redeliveries will also prepare students to participate in the annual IPSE Advocacy Day during the legislative session.
Homework
Project SETA students will have 6 assignments to complete in addition to their redelivery.
- Leadership Object: Students will bring an object to orientation that represents what leadership means to them.
- Values in Action Inventory: Students will complete a character strengths assessment before the second session.
- Strengths Quilt: Students will graphically represent their top five-character strengths using digital images, photographs, and They will then present their quilt to their peers.
- Elevator Speech: Students will practice their elevator speeches with their on-campus mentor. The goal is for students to be able to deliver their speech without using their
- Mentor Reflection: Students will either write or record a reflection answering the following questions.
- What did you enjoy most about having a mentor this year?
- Was having a mentor helpful?
- What did you learn from your mentor this year?
- How did your mentor support you this year?
- Community Advocacy Events: Students will attend two advocacy related events in their community. At least one event should be disability focused.
Contact Us
Address
Center for Leadership in Disability
75 Piedmont Avenue NE
Suite 514
Atlanta, GA 30303