We’re still riding the wave of excitement from celebrating 10 incredible years of the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute (IFLTI)! Over the past decade, IFLTI has empowered families, built leaders, and strengthened communities across Iowa—and we’re just getting started. As we look ahead to the next 10 years, we need your help to keep the momentum going! We’ve launched a short-term fundraising campaign through the University of Iowa’s GOLDrush platform to help secure the future of family leadership in our state.
Representative Tom Tauke shared reflections on his partnership with Julie Beckett in creating the Medicaid waiver that transformed care for families nationwide.
Dr. Anita Carrasco (IFLTI 2022) spoke on the history of family involvement in disability advocacy and the power of the family story.
Martha Hanley presented the history and evolution of IFLTI.
A special video showcased graduate experiences and their advocacy journeys.
This event was a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future of family leadership in Iowa.
Storytelling for Families
Storytelling for Family Leaders is a virtual training developed in consultation with the Iowa Department of Education based on the Parents as Presenters program. This training includes an in-person orientation, online modules, and Zoom sessions for peer coaching to help families develop a 10 minute story to be used as part of their advocacy efforts. Click here for information on Fall 2025 offering.
Digital Storytelling is an in-person training based on The StoryCenter model which helps families produce a three minute video with voiceover, visual images, and effects.
The Community Service Project is an integral part of the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute. It provides an opportunity for trainees to apply lessons and skills learned during the in-person part of the training. All trainees come to the training with experience advocating for their children with special needs at the individual or family level.
As they work on their Community Service Projects, they are able to leverage that experience at the community or systems level. Doing so will most likely require new resources and new partners. Individual mentors work with trainees to make connections and develop projects that have impact.
