West Virginia Leadership Academy

One of the nation’s earliest peer facilitated training programs, the WV Leadership Academy for Consumers and Families (WVLA) embodies the mantra “Nothing about us without us”. The WVLA is designed for adults & adult family members living with mental health and/or substance use disorder histories. This exemplary self-advocacy training program is held regionally several times during the year. You will experience a training event using an adult learning classroom setting. You are provided a participant manual, supplies and meals. When participating, you will have opportunities to work with others and practice skills to become a more effective and motivating speaker, presenter, and organized leader. Overnight stays can be arranged with prior approval of the Program Coordinator. WVLA provides a foundation for developing skills to improve services in your community. A certificate ceremony concludes the training. Ongoing support includes regular conference calls, emails, social media resources and webinar refreshers supported by facilitators, graduates and stakeholders. WVLA offers you opportunities to apply skills in home communities and collects data related to graduate’s community engagement.