Leadership & Advocacy Academy FAQs

What is the purpose of the JMU-SHAV Leadership & Advocacy Academy?

● JMU and SHAV are partnering to offer this academy as a way of developing future leaders in Virginia. It is our hope that graduates of the Academy will elect to participate in volunteer opportunities such as serving on SHAV Board, supervising a graduate student, and/or participating in state leadership. The Academy will also prepare you for leadership within your professional setting.

What are the expectations for participating in the Leadership & Advocacy Academy?

● Participate in 8, weekly one-hour online events

● View videos and complete assignments prior to class meetings

● Complete leadership project as described in your application

● Participate in a book study “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown.

● Participate in the live” Dare to Lead” Event in Richmond, March 20, 2024.

What costs are associated with the Leadership & Advocacy Academy?

● Purchase a copy of “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown

● Travel expenses to the Dare to Lead event in Richmond, VA 12:00-5:00 on 3-20-24

Who is eligible to participate in the Leadership and Advocacy Academy?

● Speech-language pathologists and audiologists licensed in Virginia are eligible to apply.

Why do we need to complete an application?

● The cohort will be limited to 30 individuals

● We aim to have a diverse cohort. We will consider applicants based on profession, geographic region, work setting, and leadership experiences.

What are the specifics of dates and times?

● Eight 1 hour online meetings (Wed. from 7-8 pm EST, Feb 21 through April 24, 2024)

● One half-day experience (March 20 from noon - 5 pm).

● Four hours of recorded presentations to view prior to the online meetings '

● The format includes lectures, discussion, and small group activities during meetings.

What are some examples of leadership projects?

● Start an advocacy group with hospital colleagues to address challenges in the work setting.

● Develop a journal group to review new assessment and treatment techniques.

● Develop materials for teachers to increase understanding about dialect and difference vs disorder.

● Analyze IEP goals and caseload data to identify trends and target professional development.

Can you tell me more about the live event on March 20th?

● Academy participants will engage in a book study, Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations and Whole Hearts by Brene Brown.

● The live event in Richmond on March 20, 2024 from 12:00-5:00 will be a live discussion led by Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer.

● Allison is a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. You can learn more about Allison and her work by visiting www.integrationsolutions.com.