Background

Trainees are enthusiastic and eager for more leadership opportunities within the AUCD network and greater involvement with AUCD Councils. While Councils are open to all AUCD network members at all stages of their careers, including trainees, Councils, and their leadership are eager for increased trainee engagement. As a result, the Council Trainee Representative Program was developed to address the interest and needs of trainees and Council leadership.

Learn more about AUCD's five Councils.

Council Trainee Representative Overview

• One Council Trainee Representative is selected per Council, five representatives in total.
• This leadership opportunity for current trainees starts in September 2024 and ends in May 2025.
• Council Trainee Representatives will attend assigned meetings, receive a Council Mentor, and collaborate with other council trainee representatives. The AUCD staff member and Emerging Leaders Board Representative will facilitate an initial call with all Council Trainee Mentors and Council Trainee Representatives to introduce everyone and ensure there are clear expectations and outcomes of the initiative.
• AUCD will pay for registration for trainees to attend the AUCD Annual Conference. Council Trainee Representatives will have a chance to be recognized nationally and engage at trainee events during the AUCD Conference.

Council Trainee Representative Responsibilities

• Meet bi-monthly with other Council Trainee Representatives to share information and strategies throughout the term
• Present information about Council priorities and activities during the Council Trainee Representatives group calls.
• Meet monthly with Council Mentor to develop appropriate and relevant trainee leadership opportunities that will have long-term benefits for both participating trainees and the Council (e.g., facilitating communications among Council members, identifying emerging needs that the Council might address, supporting Council-sponsored webinars). This also includes a sustainable trainee leadership project from beginning to end.
• Promote the Emerging Leader Community by contributing to webinars, newsletters, and other forms of communication.
• Attend all Council calls and the annual AUCD Conference
• Time commitment: 4-5 hours a month

Benefits of being a Council Trainee Representative

• Gain a deeper understanding of the AUCD network.
• Learn how Councils function and communicate within the network, the national office, and the Board.
• Gain project management skills in a national non-profit disability organization.
• Relationship building and networking with Council members, other Trainee Council Representatives, AUCD staff, and the Emerging Leaders Community.
• Professional development in cultural responsiveness.
• Recognition at national trainee events.

Application Process

All interested trainees are encouraged to speak with their Center/Program Director or Training Director about the time commitments associated with the position prior to applying. Applicants must be current/returning trainees for the 24-25 academic year. 

• Please read all the required submitted materials for the application carefully:
  
  • Your resume/CV - no longer than two pages
  • A statement of support from your LEND, UCEDD, or IDDRC Director or Training Director
    • If you are ready to apply and need additional time to receive a letter of support, please submit a document in place sharing this message and email the Program Manager, [email protected]
  • Response in the application form to the following questions per council you apply to:
    • Why do you want to be a Council Trainee Representative for the Council(s) you selected?
    • How do your knowledge, skills, or experiences match the Council's purpose and activities?
    • What do you hope to learn in this position?

The 2024-2025 Council Trainee Representative application is now closed. Check back for the next application cycle in July 2025.

Email Mollie Blafer at [email protected] for more information or accommodation requests.