Project CANDO (Creating a Network of Diverse Opportunities) The focus of Project CANDO is to ensure that families who are living with or supporting a person with a mental health need are included in the family support movement.
Included in these supports are training opportunities for families of children with disabilities, consumers and self-advocates who are interested in enhancing their skills and providers who support families and consumers.
Listed below are descriptions of the workshops that are available under Project CANDO.

Advocacy and Self-advocacy: It's the Heart of the Matter
During this workshop, participants will explore how the attitudes and perceptions that others have about disabilities can affect our own ability to be effective advocates and self-advocates. As participants learn more about their skills, they will have the opportunity to gain strategies that will help them move from DISability to disABILITY. Other information covered includes: ways to build knowledge of community resources; effective problem solving; and how to identify the difference between what you want and what you need.
Primary Audience: Consumers, self-advocates, parents, family members
Recommended Length: 2 hours

Understanding the Legislative Process: From Soup to Nuts
Do you ever wonder how a bill becomes a law or how to let your legislator know what you think? By attending this workshop, participants will learn all this and more. The first step in understanding how to impact legislative change is by understanding the legislative process in Maine. Participants will learn each step along the path of a bill becoming a law. You will also learn how and when to be involved and how to get legislators to listen to what you have to say.
Primary Audience: Consumers, self-advocates, parents, family members
Recommended length: 2 hours

Why Should You Vote? Because Your Vote Counts!
This workshop is geared toward individuals with disabilities and self-advocates who have little or no experience voting in an election or who are not sure how to choose a candidate. Topics covered include: the voter registration process, voter options, choosing a candidate, and understanding ballots. The workshop includes the use of overheads, discussion, handouts and question-and-answer opportunities to appeal to a variety of learning styles. Primary Audience: Consumers, self-advocates, anyone else who is interested in learning more about the voting process
Recommended Length: 2 hours

Taking the Mystery out of serving on Boards and Committees
Serving on Boards and Committees can be frustrating if you don't understand what is expected of you or if you feel no one listens to you. There are many features and benefits to serving on Boards and Committees whether you serve at the community, state or national level.
Learn the dos and don'ts of being on a committee and whether it is the right choice for you. Even if you aren't on a board or committee, sometimes you want to write a letter or get on the agenda. This workshop will explore choices and strategies you have to voice your opinion and provide input at meetings. Primary Audience: Consumers, self- advocates, family members, individuals with disabilities and anyone who is interested in learning more about serving on Boards and Committees. Recommended Length: 2 Hours

Turning Dreams Into Reality: A Vision for Life
What is person centered planning (PCP)? How does PCP differ from more traditional types of planning and what are the benefits? During this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore some of the benefits and to experience some of the different aspects of PCP. If you are interested in learning more about PCP and how it can make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, then attending this workshop if the right choice for you.
Primary Audience: Consumers, self-advocates, parents, family members
Recommended Length: 2 hours

To book a workshop in your area, call your regional coordinator;

Region 1: Cumberland & York Counties
Beverly Baker 1-800-870-7746

Region 2: Oxford, Androscoggin & Franklin Counties
Pamela Stokes 1-866-947-5402

Region 3: Waldo, Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc & the Brunswick Area
Jeanne Ivey 1-800-400-6040

Region 4: Kennebec & Somerset Counties
Veronica Currier-Boucher 1-800-870-7746

Region 5A: Penobscot & Piscataquis Counties
Pamela Stokes 1-866-947-5402

Region 5B: Washington & Hancock Counties
Jackie Stanley 1-877-963-2588

Region 6: Aroostook County
Catherine Jandreau 1-800-484-7163 Code 0242