Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute

08/28/2025

🗣️ Your Story Matters — Let It Be Heard! 🗣️
Families of children with special health care needs: Want to learn how to share your story to create change?
Join the Storytelling for Family Leaders course from the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute!
📅 September 18 – November 21, 2025
📍 Hybrid format: In-person kickoff in Ankeny, followed by Zoom sessions
✨ This 9-week training helps you:
✅ Craft and share your lived experience
✅ Gain confidence as a family advocate
✅ Learn how to impact systems and policies
✅ Connect with other Iowa family leaders
🔗 Apply now: https://bit.ly/IFLTI-SFL
📩 Questions? Contact Diane Brenneman at diane-brenneman@uiowa.edu

08/26/2025

🎤 Share Your Story, Create Change 🎤

Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with special health care needs in Iowa? The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute invites you to take part in one of two powerful storytelling opportunities:

🎬 Digital Storytelling (Nov 5–7, 2025 – Des Moines)
Learn how to create a 2–4 minute digital story with hands-on training in video editing, voice recording, and more. Lodging and meals provided!

🗣️ Storytelling for Family Leaders (Sept 18–Nov 21, 2025 – Hybrid: Ankeny + Zoom)
Craft your personal story to advocate for change through a 9-week course with in-person and online sessions.

✨ Build your skills, connect with others, and make your voice heard.

🔗 Learn more and apply: www.chsciowa.org/storytelling

📩 Questions? Contact Diane Brenneman at diane-brenneman@uiowa.edu

08/21/2025

📅 Save the Date!
We’re celebrating10 years of the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute! 🎉
Join us as we honor a decade of stories, growth, and leadership — and look ahead to an inspiring future.
🗓 September 12, 2025
🕞 1:30–3:30 PM
📍 Rembolt Room, Center for Disabilities and Development
100 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City
💻 Virtual option available: https://bit.ly/IFLTI10](https://bit.ly/IFLTI10
✨ More details to come — you won’t want to miss it!

08/19/2025

🎥 Bring Your Story to Life! 🎤
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with special health care needs in Iowa? The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute is offering a powerful Digital Storytelling Workshop — and you're invited!

📅 November 5–7, 2025
📍 In-person in Des Moines
🕐 Wednesday at 1:00 PM – Friday at 3:00 PM

✨ Learn to create and produce your own 2–4 minute digital story using your lived experience
🎬 Get hands-on training in voice recording, script writing, and video editing
🏨 Lodging and meals provided

📝 Space is limited — apply today!
https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8Aqqg973y4XCJG5
📩 Questions? Contact Rachel Charlot: rachel-charlot@uiowa.edu

08/18/2025

📣 Free Autism Basics Webinar Series 📣
💬 For parents & caregivers of children with a new autism diagnosis — learn, connect, and ask questions!

🗓 Schedule
📍 What is Autism? – Wed, 9/17/25 | 12–1 PM
📍 Therapy Options – Wed, 9/24/25 | 12–1 PM
📍 Treating Dangerous Behavior – Wed, 10/1/25 | 12–1 PM
📍 School Programming – Wed, 10/8/25 | 12–1 PM

💻 All sessions are free, open to everyone, and recorded – attend one or the whole series!
✔ Live sessions are approved for foster parent training credit
📍 Note: Some content will be Iowa-specific.

🔗 Register here: uiowa.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f-Dlb25RQFSd2alfABXqew

📧 Questions? Email Allison Drew at allison-drew@uiowa.edu

08/14/2025

A Parent's Guide to Education Advocacy

🌟 Every child deserves a strong advocate! Whether you're a parent or just passionate about making a difference, you can be that voice. 💪 Dive into our helpful info sheet and discover key advocacy skills to support those who need it most. Let's empower each other on this journey! 🗣️✨

https://www.askresource.org/resources/educational-advocacy

08/14/2025

🌟 Calling IFLTI Grads & Family Leaders! We’re launching a new statewide Community of Practice — a space to connect, reflect, and grow together.
💬 Why Join? Over 6 months (Sept–March), we’ll meet monthly on Zoom to:
✔ Share ideas and resources
✔ Strengthen your leadership voice
✔Collaborate on real community + statewide change
🧠 Topics may include:• Advocacy across the lifespan• Building youth self-advocacy• Tech tools for family leaders• Community projects worth replicating• Board & advisory participation• Reaching diverse populations
👥 Members help shape the group’s focus + help facilitate conversations.
🗓 Orientation session kicks off in September!
📌 Apply now — space is limited but open to all interested leaders!
📩 Questions? Contact Rachel Charlot, rachel-charlot@uiowa.edu
🔗https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bsi5RSIlKUE0tr8?Q_CHL=qr

08/12/2025

🗣️ Your Story Matters — Let It Be Heard! 🗣️
Families of children with special health care needs: Want to learn how to share your story to create change?

Join the Storytelling for Family Leaders course from the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute!

📅 September 18 – November 21, 2025
📍 Hybrid format: In-person kickoff in Ankeny, followed by Zoom sessions

✨ This 9-week training helps you:
✅ Craft and share your lived experience
✅ Gain confidence as a family advocate
✅ Learn how to impact systems and policies
✅ Connect with other Iowa family leaders

🔗 Apply now: www.chsciowa.org/storytelling
📩 Questions? Contact Diane Brenneman at diane-brenneman@uiowa.edu

08/07/2025

Check out this great opportunity for families!

A new inclusive playground is set to open during the Iowa State Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Thursday.

08/07/2025

08/05/2025

✍️ Curious about grant writing but not sure where to start?
Join us for IFLTI 2.0: Grant Writing with Lindsay Henderson from ISU Extension! This high-level session is perfect for beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills.

📅 August 7, 2025
🕛 12:00–1:00 PM (virtual)

✅ Learn practical tips and strategies
✅ Strengthen future applications
✅ Get a sneak peek of ISU Extension’s fall workshop series!

📩 Register by contacting Diane Brenneman: diane-brenneman@uiowa.edu