[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”fcsn-page-text ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/fcsn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Popper-Graphic-1.jpg” title_text=”Popper-Graphic-1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”80%” max_width=”80%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800|||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_text_color=”#00577F” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Interested in combining your skills with others\u2019 while learning new ways to create positive change in systems?\u00a0 Apply by July 27, 2025 to join the first cohort of FCSN\u2019s Barbara Popper Family Leadership Institute.<\/p>\n
We are building a coalition of family members who take care of students with disabilities to learn and take action to improve policies, programs, and practices that impact families. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from established and emerging leaders in systemic and legislative advocacy while practicing skills, planning a social change campaign, and building your network of collaborators and allies.<\/p>\n
Changing systems takes time and perseverance. It takes a team.<\/strong> The Institute is open to people with all levels of experience. It\u2019s a great starting place for those interested in moving from advocating for one child to advocating for many.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/forms.gle\/AKy8aSb1sc4xH8xf9″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Apply Today” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”fcsn-button” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”90px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdbv0ZuBHAQJdH22iLUD6vnaWV5vIt-87Qur1Kq5D2ogNuNCg\/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=102066533469356624782″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Mailing List” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”fcsn-button” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#39B9BE” icon_color=”#000000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”26px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_level=”h3″ toggle_font=”|700|||||||” body_font=”|300|||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_link_text_color=”#F76C5F” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_color_all=”#39B9BE” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| display: none;||}” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How do I apply?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Institute is a collaborative, action-oriented experience\u2014so space is limited. But don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll include as many people as we can! We\u2019re not looking for just one \u201ctype\u201d of person. In fact, we want a mix of people with different skills and experiences who can learn from and support one another.<\/p>\n To build that kind of group, we need to get to know you. That\u2019s why part of the process includes conversations with potential participants.<\/p>\n First Cohort Timeline<\/strong> Final invitations to join the cohort will be sent by August 15, 2025 Questions or need help with your application? [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What will I gain and learn from participating in the Family Leadership Institute?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n As a participant, you will gain the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to become an effective changemaker\u2014working collectively with a cohort of participants to shape policies, programs, and practices that affect students with disabilities across the state of Massachusetts.<\/p>\n With your cohort, you will work toward improving a real issue<\/strong>. This is not a passive learning experience. Focusing on a shared purpose, you will gain experience with collaboration, build on each other\u2019s skills, and strengthen your own. Everyone who participates has made a commitment to dedicating their time and talent to enact change.<\/p>\n The institute includes 36 hours of instruction plus activities to complete individually and with your team. Session topics include:<\/p>\n Through interactive learning, teamwork, mentorship, and guidance from experts, informed advocates will become powerful leaders, capable of creating lasting change to systems. You will also build your network and connect with established leaders, community organizers and systems-level experts.<\/p>\n This Institute is very action-driven. The goal is to learn what you need to know to take action as a group, now and over time. In addition to attending workshops, participants will have opportunities to discuss content, network with each other, create action plans, and take advocacy actions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When will sessions take place?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The first Leadership Institute cohort will launch Saturday, September 20, 2025 with an in-person session, and there will be 3 additional in-person Saturday sessions. There will also be an in-person Graduation on Saturday, December 13, 2025.<\/p>\n All in-person sessions will be held at the Federation for Children with Special Needs\u2019 offices at the Schrafft Building in Charlestown, MA. The rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom, on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm.<\/p>\n No Sessions Thanksgiving Week<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What are the requirements to participate ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The Barbara Popper Family Leadership Institute seeks a diverse\u00a0<\/span>group of Massachusetts caregivers\u00a0from around the state.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How much does it cost?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The cost to participate is as follows:<\/p>\n In addition, you will need to provide your transportation and arrange for childcare during scheduled sessions. We will provide refreshments on in-person days.<\/p>\n Because we have limited seats in each cohort, we do not offer refunds after the start of the course.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Are scholarships or financial aid available?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n We have a limited number of need-based scholarships for parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities, provided on a first come, first serve basis.\u00a0 Please contact Meghan Chapman at mchapman@fcsn.org for more information.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Are there internship opportunities for graduates?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Optional internships are available to those who complete the Institute and wish to assist the coalition as it continues its work beyond graduation. Interns will be scheduled to provide 25 hours of assistance in the four months after graduation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What other leadership opportunities are available for graduates?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The coalition continues!<\/strong><\/p>\n All applicants are required to commit to working on their cohort\u2019s shared purpose for a total of 12 months (with varying intensity) to create the changes you collaboratively decided upon. The goal of the institute is to create leaders who are ready to take action and make change. More about the shared purpose for each cohort will be discussed during the interview process.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Who is Barbara Popper?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n In 1971, Barbara Popper<\/strong> founded Children in Hospitals, a non profit organization that advocated for the rights of parents with hospitalized children. She continued this work as a Project Director for The Federation for Children with Special Needs, forming the Family Voices program with fellow advocate Nora Wells.<\/p>\n Barbara and Nora were instrumental in establishing the legal right of parents to stay with their children at the hospital. Working in coalition with other parent leaders, they helped to shift the culture of healthcare from one that devalued parents\u2019 insights to one that actively pursues partnerships with families.<\/p>\n The Barbara Popper Family Leadership Institute is supported by the Barbara Popper Foundation. Our work is guided by Barbara\u2019s belief in the power of parent and caregiver advocacy. She said:<\/p>\n \u201cThere are parents who call us every day seeking support and information- often distraught as they tell their stories of dealing with medical systems and school systems that simply won\u2019t respond to the needs of their families. They call because their instincts tell them to persist<\/strong>, to be tenacious, and to keep trying to help get what their child needs, but they have been met with policies, programs, and attitudes that confound and block them. What they need is affirmation that\u00a0their instincts are good and that as parents they can trust those instincts as they work with those systems<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Barbara Popper Family Leadership InstituteChanging Systems, Changing LivesThere is strength in numbers \u2014\u00a0and strength in you. Interested in combining your skills with others\u2019 while learning new ways to create positive […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"difl_page_category":[],"class_list":["post-1387259","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.3","language":"zh","enabled_languages":["en","es","pt","ar","zh","vi"],"languages":{"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"es":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"pt":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"ar":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"zh":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"vi":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAbout the Institute<\/h2>\n
Applications are open now through July 27, 2025
Everyone who applies by the deadline will hear from us by August 1, 2025
Interviews for selected applicants will take place between August 1 and August 8<\/p>\n
If you aren\u2019t selected this time, please don\u2019t be discouraged! We\u2019d love for you to apply again. The next application round is expected to open in October 2025. You can also sign up for our mailing list to get updates about the Institute.<\/p>\n
Reach out to Meghan Chapman at mchapman@fcsn.org\u2014she\u2019s happy to help!<\/p>\n\n
Full Schedule<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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In-Person Graduation & Coalition Launch:
\nSaturday, December 13 \u2014\u00a010am-12pm\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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