As the holiday season approaches and many feel we may be entering into a new and uncertain age politically, we at Networks are reminded of our role with all of you and to each other. Originally designed and consciously incorporated as a plural network of resources to people with disabilities and their communities (i.e. "Networks"), we have never seen ourselves as having the one answer, the one voice, the only way.... nor are we of one single view or mindset as an organization and a group of very diverse people. But we are a family of believers in the dignity and rights of ALL humanity. And to this we feel we must speak.

We are ever so grateful for our colleagues, friends, and supporters who have cheered us on over our 24 years of service. But even more, we are grateful for those who disagree with us and us them because in these relationships are sometimes where we find our greatest truths. We try to be honest and forthright in all we do. We try to look within ourselves deeply at the roots of our values and beliefs, and we try to help others do the same. We try to see ourselves with all our foibles and accept them, along with those in others, in an effort to grow and change. And we try to see where different views and perspectives seem to clash to see glimmers of where some common ground might lie.

This time is no different as our country struggles to hear one another respectfully.

To this end, we feel it important to state unequivocally that we hold dearly to our beliefs and responsibilities. As an organization we will uphold this in all we do. This means we will:
  • Not shy away from the hard conversations.
  • Fight alongside our brothers and sisters who experience disabilities or who feel disenfranchised from society.
  • Never speak for others AND will try to fully hear others.
  • Continue to meet discrimination and bigotry with education and knowledge; pain with a helping hand; disrespect with inclusion.
  • Educate, demonstrate, and help others see that ALL people have unalienable rights to live their life, have careers, have a home where and with whom they want, have a voice, make their own choices, and be fully respected members of their communities.
You can count on us to not waver from this regardless of the political climate or which candidate is chosen as our country's leader. It is OUR founding values and will always be just that.

Sincerely,
Shauna Roman
Executive Director
Networks for Training and Development  | networksfortraining.org