The summer thunderstorm I drove through on the way home from The Arc of Northern Shenandoah Valley seemed like a drizzle when compared to the energy of this chapter’s brainstorming session! During my visit, I joined Executive Director Becky Ball and The Arc of NSV’s Executive Committee for their meeting at the chapter’s office. During my time with the group, I learned how this local chapter works hard to keep their calendar jam packed with lots of fun events for the whole family, while also working to educate legislators and the greater community about what “A Life Like Yours” is all about!

The team first shared with me their chapter’s efforts to renovate their existing website, to increase their ability to reach out to membership and advertise upcoming events. The website will expand upon a previous internet-based informational and referral effort, www.valleyresourcenet.org, which sought to link individuals and families with community-based services. The Arc of NSV will build the new website with the assistance of a volunteer, a perfect example of what we have seen so often on this tour…that relationships are a critical piece of building a better community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The group was also busy planning for their upcoming picnic, which will occur on July 18th from 6pm-8pm. The day sounded like it was shaping up to be a wonderful event as this group had thought of everything! There will be bubbles, softball, food, music, and fun-even Ronald McDonald! “We have something going on every month”, Becky said, “We try to make it something for the whole family by planning events that all ages can enjoy”. She showed me their calendar, which was jam-packed with activities such as pool parties, Walk-a-Thons, trainings and banquets. In July, members of The Arc of NSV will be attending a Winchester Royals Baseball Game, with one of their own singing the national anthem for the opening!

After the brainstorming ideas specific to this chapter, the group processed ways that The Arc of Virginia can move forward in building a better tomorrow for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities TODAY! The group found the new e-advocacy efforts that The Arc of Virginia has launched through the Capwiz project to be helpful and encouraged The Arc to build on it. Through the Capwiz system, members are updated regularly about legislation that directly impacts individuals with ID/DD and their families. Members also have the opportunity to email their state legislators though the system in order to request action on behalf of “A Life Like Yours”. One Board Member noted that the technology is helpful in getting the troops “whipped up” and is a relatively quick way for folks to take action. The group also recognized that the advocacy cannot stop there-as it is most often the media coverage of the issues and building relationships with legislators that make the biggest difference.