I'm in Washington, DC, sitting in a meeting of the Organizational Development & Capacity Committee (ODC) of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).  Yes, that's a long name and , yes, I'm paying attention.

NDRN is the national trade organization for Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organizations like DRO.  Federal dollars pay for P&A services in 57 states, territories and reservations.  Those dollars also pay for training and support services that are primarily provided by NDRN.  The committee I'm on provides advice and input to NDRN on the type and content of training that P&As need.

I'm always impressed by the knowledge, skill and experience that the staff at NDRN and my fellow P&A people bring to the table.   And did I mention passion and dedication?  This is a group of people who have lived and breathed disability rights in their communities for years.  Many have disabilities or are family members.  They are tied into networks of other advocates across the nation.

At this meeting, we've talked about how to use a newly developed P&A standards manual, how to implement training needs, how to help information and referral specialists, cultivating middle managers, training on fundraising and communication, and how to develop new leadership.  It may sound bureaucratic but this is stuff that is important for healthy, effective advocacy organizations.

For DRO to be effective in the legislature, in court, in state and federal agencies, with the press, volunteers, customers and other groups and organizations, we must have experience, training, skill and leadership development.  And as a nonprofit organization we must be able stewards of our finances and provide a supportive and efficient working environment.  It's great to know that NDRN is here to support us in getting it done.