AAPD’s Alumni Network

The Alumni Network is an effort to proactively sustain relationships with AAPD program alumni and provide programmatic opportunities to early and mid-level career professionals with disabilities. The Alumni Network allows AAPD Alumni to strengthen bonds with their peers, connect with alumni from different programs, and access professional development skills and support.

In November 2026, AAPD is excited to host our first-ever in-person Alumni Network Regional Gathering in Washington, DC. We’re looking for two enthusiastic alumni who will help lead the planning efforts with the AAPD Programs Team from September through November. This is a temporary, independent contractor, part-time role. Only AAPD alumni are eligible to apply. Applicants living within the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area will be prioritized. 

The Alumni Network is made up of participants from the following AAPD Programs:

• Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program
• In-House Internship
• NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
• Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leaders Award
• Summer or Fall Internship Program

Details:

This is a unique opportunity for AAPD alumni to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of future meet-ups. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply is Sunday, August 16 at 5PM PT.

Application & Interview Process:

Applicants will submit their application materials on the following application link, including:

• Resume
• Short Answers (see below)

Short Answer Questions: 

1. Describe the values you would incorporate as a co-organizer to ensure the AAPD  regional meet-ups are a welcoming space for members of the Alumni Network (300 words or less).
2. What makes you most excited about bringing together AAPD Alumni?  (300 words or less).
3. Please share more about your connection to the Washington, D.C. area including your knowledge of local venues, attractions, and transportation options. (300 words or less).

Applicants will participate in one 45 minute interview with Gabi Reyes-Acosta. All applicants will receive an update on the status of their application.

If you have any questions please email [email protected] with the subject line: “Co-Organizer Question”

• Rate: $25 per hour for a total of $2,500
• Dates: September 14-November 13 
• Time Expectations: Total of 100 hours: Ten (10) hours per week for the 8 weeks prior to the respective Alumni Network Gathering’s event weekend. In addition to these hours, Co-Organizers will be asked to work up to ten (10) additional hours during the weekend of the event, and ten (10) hours the week following the event, for a total of up to 100 (one hundred) hours.

• Dates of In Person Regional Gathering in Washington, DC: Friday, November 6th, Saturday November 7th, Sunday November 8th
• Format: Remote with in person travel for the Regional Network Meet Up in Washington, D.C. Applicants living within the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area will be prioritized. This role will require virtual meetings with the Programs Manager. 
• Reports to: Programs Manager, Gabi Reyes-Acosta

Key Responsibilities:

Co-Organizers will have two distinct sets of responsibilities, but will have opportunities to collaborate with each other. Please indicate in your application which Co-Organizer role you are interested in.

Communications and Outreach Co-Organizer:

• Support in creating and sending out communications to event attendees, including but not limited to: 
• • Save the dates
  • Registration information and invitations
  • Updates to any event changes/vital information
• Work with Program Manager and AAPD’s Communications team to create engaging and exciting social media content (e.g., social media content to promote the event or to capture at the event).
• Gather information and build a robust database to reach out to alumni and share updates. 
• Create language to share updates and information to attendees via AAPD’s website and/or event management platform. 
• Draft language for written communications to event attendees and other key stakeholders (for e.g., providing information to AAPD staff members who may be supporting the event, etc)
• Identify swag or merchandise to be disseminated the event
• Conduct outreach and secure speakers, panelists, and volunteers for Alumni Network sessions
• Engage with alumni to get their input and feedback on sessions or activities

Logistics and Planning Support Co-Organizer:

• Create an accessible travel and event guide. Examples include:
• • Research local and accessible transportation options for different mobility devices within the city
  • Assist with mapping out routes to different activities throughout the weekend
  • Share local disability resources, such as:
  • • Rental places for scooters and chairs.
    • Local repair places for mobility aids.
    • Nearest hospitals, emergency departments, and urgent care, and pharmacies.
  • Identify accessible restaurants (with and without outdoor seating) and cafes/coffee shops. 
  • Identify accessible night-life options and activities. 
  • Research and identify best practices for accessibility and safety while traveling (COVID-19 mitigation practices, travel information, etc).
• Create a list of disability-related events happening in their respective Regional Gathering areas during the weekend of the event.
• Identify potential vendors and/or disability related activities for the Gathering to attend as a group (e.g., disability history presentations, fun and accessible group activities, historical tours related to disability activism).
• Support the development of a run-of-show for events and volunteers

Shared Co-Organizer Responsibilities: 

• Assist in conceptualizing and planning meet-up agendas.
• Act as a thought partner and assist in brainstorming and ideating event gathering activities and events, including speakers and vendors.
• Support with event set up and take down and other logistical supports as needed, including food and beverage planning along with hotel/venue coordination. 

Must Haves

• Strong commitment to disability justice, intersectionality, and social equity.
• • This includes, but is not limited to, centering accessibility through every activity planned. (Examples include Accessible venues, navigating food allergies, being mindful of outlets for devices, etc.)
• Commitment to harm reduction and COVID exposure mitigation.
• • Capable of adhering to and implementing AAPD COVID-19 policies and procedures in all in-person settings.
• Strong familiarity with the D.C. area and available for local travel to the AAPD office in Washington D.C. Applicants living within the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area will be prioritized. 
• Strong familiarity and knowledge of accessible transportation options, activities, restaurants, disability culture and so forth.
• • This includes museums, bookstores, and other accessible venues that may highlight disability culture or host discussions around disability.
• Passionate about fostering connections
• • Interact with attendees leading up to and during meet-ups to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• • Work closely with the program manager and fellow organizer to solve challenges and continuously improve the meet-up experience.