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The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent of our staff, the Committee on P&A, and the Mental Health Advisory Council shape the culture and work of P&A. P&A strives to have all individuals serving the agency be representative of the communities we serve.

 

P&A Staff

The P&A team is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about defending the rights of North Dakotans with disabilities. P&A’s staff includes directors, attorneys, advocates, and administrative personnel. Our staff works together to assert and protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.

 

Committee on Protection & Advocacy

P&A’s governing board is called the Committee on Protection & Advocacy. It consists of seven members as specified in State statute. Committee on P&A members include individuals with a breadth of knowledge and experiences.

Responsibilities

  • Provides oversight and sets the direction of the agency.
  • Engages in developing and approves annual priorities (focus areas).
  • Reviews and approves agency budget and policies.
  • Receives and responds to grievances and public inquiries.

Committee on P&A Members

  • Carol Jabs, Valley City - Governor Appointee
  • Vacancy - Governor Appointee
  • Senator Sean Cleary, Bismarck - Legislative Council Appointee
  • Representative SuAnn Olson, Baldwin - Legislative Council Appointee
  • Carl Young, Bismarck - The Arc of North Dakota Appointee
  • Deb Jendro, Fargo - Mental Health America of North Dakota Appointee
  • Jonathan Ross, Fargo - ND Cares Appointee

Appointment to the Committee on P&A

Appointments to the Committee on P&A are made by the Governor (2 members), Legislative Council (2 members), The Arc of North Dakota, Mental Health America of North Dakota, and a non-profit advocacy group for people with disabilities selected by the Committee. The individuals appointed to the Committee on P&A must:

  • Broadly represent individuals with disabilities served by the P&A.
  • Be knowledgeable about the needs of persons with disabilities served by the P&A.
  • Meet federal eligibility requirements for membership.
  • Must not be a provider of treatment, services, or habilitation to individuals with disabilities.

Applications for appointment by the Governor’s Office can be submittedhere.

 

Mental Health Advisory Council

P&A’s Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) serves in an advisory capacity to P&A and its governing board. The MHAC is comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and passionate about mental health issues. The Advisory Council provides input to P&A on activities and priorities pertinent to its mental health program.

Responsibilities

  • Provides independent advice and recommendations to the Committee on P&A.
  • Collaborates with the Committee on P&A and staff to develop focus areas for the Mental Health Program.
  • Creates an independent report assessing P&A’s progress within its Mental Health Program.
  • Develops activities or projects that align with P&A’s Mental Health Program.
  • Educates others on issues related to mental health, lived experience, the mission and purpose of P&A, and the Mental Health Program.

Mental Health Advisory Council Members

  • Chaz Brobst, Bismarck
  • Colleen Daley, Beulah
  • Julie Menard, Dickinson
  • Amber Orpen, Fargo
  • Kylie Oversen, Fargo
  • Mary Rennich, Bismarck
  • Darcy Severson, Mandan
  • Cindy Vollmer, Bismarck
  • Jodi Webb, Minot
  • Tracey Wilkie, Fargo

Apply for the Mental Health Advisory Council

P&A accepts applicants for the Mental Health Advisory Council on a rolling basis. Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will provide representation to one or more of the following groups:

  • Individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
  • Family members of individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
  • Parent of a child (under 18) who has or is receiving mental health services
  • Mental health professional
  • Mental health provider
  • An attorney