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Remembering Dan Strick
Image description: Dan, smiling, wearing a suit coat and button-down shirt against a blue background.
The disability community lost a true champion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities upon the unexpected passing of Dan Strick, CEO of Sertoma Star Services, a chapter of The Arc of Illinois. Dan was involved in a fatal car accident on January 30, 2024, at age 59. Dan served as the Vice Chair of the Executive Forum for the past two years in addition to serving on The Arc of Illinois board from 2010-2012 and was well-respected among his peers. The Arc of Illinois extends our deepest condolences to the Strick family as well as his many friends and colleagues at Sertoma Star Services and around the state. Dan’s obituary can be found here.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at The Arc of Illinois
Last week, The Arc of Illinois Board of Directors adopted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Vision Statement. The DEI statement was created by the ad hoc DEI Committee which was created in July of 2023. Over the course of six months, the DEI Committee, under the leadership of its chair, Kimberly Johnson, Board President, did a diversity survey of its members to determine what additional lived experiences might be beneficial to add to the membership and the committee grew. The Committee then cooperatively developed a DEI Vision statement which was approved by the board last week. Additionally, the Board voted to make the DEI Committee a standing committee of the board co-chaired by Kimberly Johnson, Board President, and Courtney Littlejohn, VP of Equity and Inclusion at organizational affiliate Association for Individual Development. The Arc of Illinois appreciates the time and effort committee members put into this work and we are happy to share our vision statement here:
The Arc of Illinois’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Vision Statement
Adopted 2/8/2024 by the Board of Directors of The Arc of Illinois
“People in the disability community are very different from one another. They come from all backgrounds and circumstances. They represent a wide range of differences among people.
Differences include but are not limited to:
Age
Communication
Culture
Gender identity and expression
Language
Race and ethnicity
Faith, spirituality, and religion
Sexuality
Values and beliefs
Disability, including intellectual and developmental disabilities
Immigrant status
Economic status
We understand that people come from differing identities, areas of need, and socio-economic status. We honor and respect all the different identities represented in our community. We respect the differing ways individuals with disabilities choose to identify.
Equity work is urgent and life-long. We want to do better and hold ourselves accountable. The Arc of Illinois recognizes that it has not always been as diverse, accessible, equitable, or inclusive as we would like to be. We, as a community, are impacted by many systems of oppression, including racism, ableism, and colonialism. We are committed to improving as an organization.
We believe that everyone belongs. All members of the disability community and their families are valued, respected, and celebrated for their intersecting identities.”
The Arc of Illinois is accepting nominations for the 2024 Awards Program until March 1st.
Do you know a person who makes a difference every day in our community? If you do, celebrate your hidden hero with a nomination to recognize their extraordinary dedication and achievements!
Nominating in easy!
Please use the forms below for all nominations. Attach the form to a cover letter stating why the person/program should be considered for that award.
If you wish, attach any other materials which you feel would help the Convention Committee in their decision.
Please send to The Arc of Illinois Convention Planning Committee no later than March 1, 2024 (listed in the form)
Each agency may submit two nominations per Award Category.
Award Nominations are for the following awards which will be presented at the Annual Convention May 1-2, 2024.
The 22nd Annual Convention Art Exhibit and Contest
During the Annual Convention, The Arc of Illinois hosts an Art Exhibit and Contest. This year, the Annual Convention will be hybrid with both virtual and in-person attendees.
The Art Exhibit will be displayed:
Virtually on the Annual Convention microsite, Wednesday, April 24th thru Thursday, May 2, 2024
In-person at the Marriott, Bloomington, Wednesday, May 1 thru Thursday, May 2.
Artists must submit a picture of their artwork for the virtual exhibit. Artists are welcome to have their work displayed at the Convention, if able, but is not a requirement to participate in the contest.
Click on the button below for the complete contest rules and information. Artwork is due to by April 1, 2024.
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