Mission
Living Our Visions, Inc. (LOV-Dane) is a grassroots organization of individuals with disabilities, their families, friends and community members building fulfilling and community-centered lives for all citizens.
Vision
LOV-Dane envisions a future in which adults with disabilities live as independently as possible in communities to which they contribute through productive employment, engaged citizenship, and caring, reciprocal relationships.
Membership
LOV-Dane grows out of a community-organizing model, which places a high value on nurturing interpersonal relationships for collective action. The talents and energy of our members drive actions and decisions at all levels. Belonging to LOV-Dane is self-identified, you are a member if you think you are.
First steps:
- Sign up for our email list: http://lovdane.org/emailsignup/
- Meet with Stefanie, Amanda or another LOV member to figure out where to start
- Attend an event: http://lovdane.org/calendar/
Guiding Principles
Family Governed and Family Led:
- Mobilize individuals with disabilities, their families and friends to develop projects based on their interests and needs
- Build capacity even in the face of shrinking resources
- Generate creative solutions outside of the traditional service system
- Work with staff as partners
Collective Action and Relationship Focused:
- Facilitate relationships of caring and mutual support
- Learn, develop and implement creative solutions together
- Collectively leverage family and community assets
Cultivators of Individual and Community Gifts:
- Celebrate the unique gifts of our members
- Find valued roles for individual and organizational contribution
- Build reciprocal partnerships with community organizations
LOV-Dane has shared their story internationally. At the Toronto Inclusion Institute, LOV organizers presented to approximately 200 people from across the world. In addition, LOV organizers have presented in Illinois, Alabama, and Australia.