What is the QDN Emerging Leaders program?
QDN’s Emerging Leaders program is a program focused on building the leadership of people with disability to lead and influence change in their own lives and in their communities.
Each year up to 25 people with disability complete the program which develops skills and builds capacity of leaders at individual, community and systems levels.
The program includes learning opportunities ranging from face-to-face workshops, online interactive sessions, mentorship, and community activities. It provides a safe and inclusive environment to develop critical thinking, explore leadership theory, systems thinking and systems change, practice techniques, have inquiring conversations, build relationships, and connect with established leaders.
QDN’s key four pillars of Inform, Connect, Lead and Influence are at the centre of everything that we do, and are central to the Emerging Leaders program. Leadership by people with disability is key to driving and influencing change that delivers equality, rights and inclusion.
When will the program run?
The program runs from March to November. Participants need to commit to being part of the whole program for 9 months, which includes two workshops in Brisbane as well as monthly online sessions. Travel and accommodation for successful applicants outside the southeast corner are covered by the program.
Who should apply?
People with disability who live in Queensland, who want an opportunity to develop leadership skills. We welcome diversity and encourage people with disability of all ages, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who are LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse, live in rural, remote, and regional areas, and are First Nations to apply.
It is important for applicants to have a willingness to work on their own development and to support others in theirs. If not already a QDN member, successful applicants will become QDN members through the program. We encourage you to share the program with your networks!
QDN Emerging leaders in the program are involved in:
- monthly training sessions (face to face meetings, online interactive sessions),
- mentorship,
- community activities to develop critical thinking,
- exploring leadership theory practice and techniques,
- exploring systems thinking and systems change,
- holding inquiring conversations,
- building relationships, and
- connecting with established leaders.
Need more information?
Please contact us at peersupport@qdn.org.au or phone 1300 363 783 if you have any questions or need support.
This project is funded by a grant through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building program.
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