The New Mexico SILC is Looking for You! 

Are you a person with a disability who wants to get involved and make a difference? Do you have a family member with a disability, or do you work to improve the lives of people with disabilities? The New Mexico Statewide Independent Living Council (NM SILC) is recruiting new members to fill vacancies for terms immediately, and you should apply! 

This federally mandated Council works closely with the Centers for Independent Living and develops, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living. 

The Council seeks to maintain cross disability and diversity of representation including age, ethnicity, and life experiences. If you or someone you know would like to apply for membership on the Council, please return a completed application form. 

The application is available from any current NM SILC Board member or staff and should be completed and emailed to our Executive Director at: Kathy@disability-revolution.com.  

Please review the responsibilities carefully and apply only if you are willing to fulfill them. All applications will be reviewed and considered. Nominations selected will be submitted for appointment by the Governor. This process can be lengthy and new members may be appointed for a partial term. 

We appreciate your patience. If you have questions or need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact us at Kathy@disability-revolution.com. 

Description & Responsibilities 

The New Mexico Statewide Independent Living Council is a board comprised of voting members and three ex-officio, non-voting members representing state agencies, all appointed by the Governor. A majority of the voting members and total board members must be individuals with disabilities who do not work for a center for independent living or any state agency. 

The Council functions as a partner with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the five Centers for Independent Living to ensure the existence of appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide and cross disability basis, the independent living needs of New Mexicans with disabilities. 

The Council meets four times per year, in various locations. Reimbursement is provided for travel, lodging and other approved reasonable and necessary expenses for attending meetings. A term of appointment is three years and council members may serve two full consecutive terms. 

It is the responsibility of each council member to: 

1. Support the Council’s purpose to promote a cross disability philosophy of independent living, including a philosophy of consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy, in order to maximize opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream of society. In addition, the purpose of the NM SILC is to be a cross disability statewide catalyst for independent living.
2. Become informed about the issues and priorities of the Council by reviewing the information provided by Council staff and other members. 
3. Provide information to the Council on relevant issues based on personal and/or professional knowledge and experience. 
4. Participate in the four meetings (on rare occasions, more) of the Council and vote on matters requiring Council action, abstaining when there is a conflict of interest and complying with Council by laws and policies. 
5. Support the ongoing work of the Council by serving on committees, support and demonstrate the independent living philosophy, and show respect for council members, staff, and guests. 
6. Respond to communications from council staff and/or other members and notify the staff or chairperson when unable to attend a meeting. 
7. Notify staff of all accommodations you need to be an active member of the Council. 
8. Comply with all Council policies and follow established Council procedures. 
9. Attend new member orientation after you are appointed. 

The Council supports the participation of its members by ensuring that council meetings and activities are fully accessible and by providing accommodations to Council members with disabilities upon request.