Disability Rights California

Mission Statement

Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.

Values:

DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.

DEI Statement:

DRC values all forms of human diversity. The Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council demonstrates this value by creating an inclusive culture where all people are welcomed and valued, and their individual identities are affirmed across gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other human characteristic.

Programs/Services:

DRC is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. We provide programs for: Information and Referral, Investigation of Abuse and Neglect, Legal Representation & Rights Protection, Education & Outreach, and Public Policy Advocacy. You can learn more about our advocacy programs here: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/what-we-do/programs

Ideal Candidate:

DRC’s PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC) advises the Board and staff about issues in the mental health community. The Council is comprised of individuals who are or who have been consumers of mental health services, family members, attorneys, mental health providers, mental health professionals, individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about mental illness, and providers of mental health services. The PAIMI Advisory Council is also committed to appointing members representative of California’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities and makes efforts to ensure the Council reflects different geographic areas of the state. Currently, we seek an attorney to serve on the PAIMI Advisory Council.

Why you should consider joining this board:

DRC’s PAC advises our board and staff about issues in the mental health community. Their important work includes helping to shape our mental health advocacy plans and participating in the planning of our annual goals and priorities. PAC members play a vital role, bringing information from the mental health community to DRC, and from DRC to the mental health community. They also file a federally required annual report that describes and evaluates our mental health advocacy activities and effectiveness.

Fundraising/Financial Commitment:

None

Additional Information:

Help us create a barrier-free, inclusive, diverse world where Californians with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, choice, independence and freedom from abuse, neglect and discrimination. Fill out the online application here: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/post/paimi-advisory-council-as-a-public-member-online-form.

To Apply:

Year Founded:

1978

Service Region(s):

Statewide

Service Area(s):

Access to Justice, Benefits Access, Children & Youth, Civil Rights, Consumer Protection and Economic Justice, Disability Rights, Disaster Relief, Domestic Violence, Education, Elder Law, Health Care Access, Housing, Immigration, Impact Litigation/Advocacy, LGBTQ+ Rights, Racial Justice, Reentry Work, Veterans, Workers Rights

Annual Revenue:

$25 million – $50 million

Employees:

251-500

Board Members:

11-15

Length of Board Term:

4 years

Board Meeting Type:

Hybrid (both virtual and in-person)

Service Per Month Expected:

5-10 hours