Recommended Training Programs

for Leaders of Peer-Run Programs

National Training Programs

Rockwood Leadership Program trains non-profit activists to become powerful and effective leaders. Trainings concentrate on developing skills in communication, self-awareness, presentation, emotional intelligence, team-building and personal mastery: all the skills that help people move issues, groups and missions forward with skill, grace and strength. We attended this training ourselves. It was extraordinary.  http://www.rockwoodfund.org

The Midwest Academy offers a five-day, residential, comprehensive "Organizing for Social Change" training. The training helps participants be more strategic their fight for social, economic, racial and environmental justice. (312) 427-2304, mwacademy1@aol.com, www.midwestacademy.com

You can find more trainings in the RESIST Guide to Technical Assistance. This guide features support and training for activist organizations. Including fundraising institutes, grant writing trainings, projects for people of color, advocacy lawyers, organizational development, board development programs, and more: http://www.resistinc.org/assistance.html  

Virginia Training Programs

VOCAL CO-OP Trainings - The VOCAL CO-OP runs trainings and events for leaders and organizers of peer-run programs. Newly-forming groups are welcome. Scholarships are available. To find out about upcoming events, check our events page, or join our email newsletter

VOCAL’s REACH Trainings - Learn to lead mental health recovery groups. This week-long training teaches skills for facilitating Wellness Recovery Action Plan. (WRAP). Full scholarships are available, including tuition, lodging, meals, and transportation. Find out more: Contact REACH.

CELT Leadership Academy is a free 3-day training designed to give mental health consumers important tools for successful leadership. CELT is a program of the Mental Health Association of Virginia. 434-953-9798, www.mhav.org

VHST serves as a training center for consumer providers as well as a clearinghouse for information about consumer provider training and transition issues. Virginia’s Human Services Training Center, 434-970-1255, http://avenue.org/vhst/index.htm

Recovery Innovations of Virginia hosts Peer Employment Training classes to prepare people who are on their journey of recovery from mental health challenges to become peer support specialists and work in the mental health field.  757-361-0255, marym@recoveryinnovations.org   

The Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services (DMHMRSAS) offers Peer Specialist Trainings. These events will be facilitated by the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Peer Specialist training is free and includes meals and lodging. For more information contact pat.shank@co.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov 

Laurie Mitchell Employment Center is a consumer-run center. In past years, this center has run a free 9-day train-the-trainer program for mental health consumers to learn & share information about SSA benefits & employment issues.  (703) 531-6380 or cynthialev@yahoo.com,  http://www.lmec.org

Vaaccses offers free workshops on SSI/SSDI Work Incentives and on How to Work and Keep Your Benefits.  They also run a program for Work Incentives Specialist Certification. Workshops are free and take place around the state. Travel and lodging scholarships are available.  703-461-8747, mmorrison@ourpeoplework.org, http://www.vaaccses.org/

The NAMI Peer to Peer Mentor Training - Learn how to facilitate Peer to Peer educational class for mental health consumers (taught by consumers to consumers). Training, lodging, meals, and course materials are provided free of charge. http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?Site=NAMI_Virginia 

Leadership Fairfax sponsors two community leadership programs each year: Leadership Fairfax Signature Program (LFI): built around a comprehensive 10-month curriculum of community issues and skill development. Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI): a nine-month program built around four principal areas: skill building; mentoring; community services projects and community board service. Held in Northern Virginia. http://www.leadershipfairfax.org/aboutlfi.shtml

For Northern Virginia: The Regional Recovery Work Group is a collaboration of consumers with providers to educate for recovery, develop consumer-run programs, and give support to them. In the past, this group has offered grant funding to programs, free WRAP facilitator training, and technical support. 703-876-0390  http://www.pathwayhomes.org/Recovery.html

__________________________________________________________

Find more tools:

VOCAL CO-OP Tools are available to read or print free on our website. Tools include Where to Find Foundation Funding for Peer-Run Programs, 21 Best Books for Programs, Sample Grant Proposals from Peer Programs, How to Start a New Program, How to Become a 501c3 Nonprofit, Tips for Buying a Computer for Your Program, and more. VOCAL CO-OP Tools