Hi, this is Jon McGovern
Today I want to tell you about the other self-advocates that are on the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) about their Leadership Skills in the DD Network.
First, I spoke to Stace Atter that is on the MDDC. She is currently not on a committee on the MDDC but will be joining one soon. Stace listens to the other MDDC Members that have something to speak about and likes getting the information from each Member that can be useful. Stace talk to people at lunch to get to know who the others are on MDDC.
Next, I spoke with Maryann Preble, and she is on the Executive Committee of MDDC. Maryann has a lot to say about what’s going on in the Executive Committee and on the MDDC. Maryann brings joy to the room when she is at the MDDC and Executive Committee meetings. Maryann is invited to the Nominations Committee and I, Jon, ask for Maryann’s opinion on certain things. Maryann has now joined the Nominations Committee.
I also spoke to Stacy Smart, and she likes being on MDDC and is on the Executive Committee with Maryann. She also listens and takes it all in. She likes working with everybody on the Executive Committee and loves being on the MDDC. Stacy does ask questions when we have breaks to know what’s going on if there are things that she can vote on or not vote on. For example, if a SUFU item comes up Stacy can vote on the SUFU item as she is a member of SUFU, but Monique and I cannot as we are SUFU Staff.
Lastly, Marc Roix was the longest MDDC Member and used to be the Chair of MDDC and Chair of the Membership Committee. I was privileged to have Marc mentor me to become the Chair of the Membership Committee. Marc took one year off and then came back to MDDC and joined the Nominations Committee. He gives his input on the New Applicant Applications and Marc tells me what he thinks about the Applicants. Marc has said he missed being on MDDC. Marc hopes that he will not stay with MDDC a long time this time.
If you are a self-advocate interested in becoming a member of MDDC please check out their site at https://maineddc.org/get-involved-today/become-a-member/becoming-a-member
