The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent of our staff, the Committee on P&A, and the Mental Health Advisory Council shape the culture and work of P&A. P&A strives to have all individuals serving the agency be representative of the communities we serve.
P&A Staff
The P&A team is experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about defending the rights of North Dakotans with disabilities. P&A’s staff includes directors, attorneys, advocates, and administrative personnel. Our staff works together to assert and protect the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
Committee on Protection & Advocacy
P&A’s governing board is called the Committee on Protection & Advocacy. It consists of seven members as specified in State statute. Committee on P&A members include individuals with a breadth of knowledge and experiences.
Responsibilities
- Provides oversight and sets the direction of the agency.
- Engages in developing and approves annual priorities (focus areas).
- Reviews and approves agency budget and policies.
- Receives and responds to grievances and public inquiries.
Committee on P&A Members
- Carol Jabs, Valley City - Governor Appointee
- Vacancy - Governor Appointee
- Senator Sean Cleary, Bismarck - Legislative Council Appointee
- Representative SuAnn Olson, Baldwin - Legislative Council Appointee
- Carl Young, Bismarck - The Arc of North Dakota Appointee
- Deb Jendro, Fargo - Mental Health America of North Dakota Appointee
- Jonathan Ross, Fargo - ND Cares Appointee
Appointment to the Committee on P&A
Appointments to the Committee on P&A are made by the Governor (2 members), Legislative Council (2 members), The Arc of North Dakota, Mental Health America of North Dakota, and a non-profit advocacy group for people with disabilities selected by the Committee. The individuals appointed to the Committee on P&A must:
- Broadly represent individuals with disabilities served by the P&A.
- Be knowledgeable about the needs of persons with disabilities served by the P&A.
- Meet federal eligibility requirements for membership.
- Must not be a provider of treatment, services, or habilitation to individuals with disabilities.
Applications for appointment by the Governor’s Office can be submitted here.
Mental Health Advisory Council
P&A’s Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) serves in an advisory capacity to P&A and its governing board. The MHAC is comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and passionate about mental health issues. The Advisory Council provides input to P&A on activities and priorities pertinent to its mental health program. Mental Health Advisory Council Brochure
Responsibilities
- Provides independent advice and recommendations to the Committee on P&A.
- Collaborates with the Committee on P&A and staff to develop focus areas for the Mental Health Program.
- Creates an independent report assessing P&A’s progress within its Mental Health Program.
- Develops activities or projects that align with P&A’s Mental Health Program.
- Educates others on issues related to mental health, lived experience, the mission and purpose of P&A, and the Mental Health Program.
Mental Health Advisory Council Members
- Chaz Brobst, Bismarck
- Colleen Daley, Beulah
- Julie Menard, Dickinson
- Amber Orpen, Fargo
- Kylie Oversen, Fargo
- Mary Rennich, Bismarck
- Darcy Severson, Mandan
- Cindy Vollmer, Bismarck
- Jodi Webb, Minot
- Tracey Wilkie, Fargo
Apply for the Mental Health Advisory Council
P&A accepts applicants for the Mental Health Advisory Council on a rolling basis. Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will provide representation to one or more of the following groups:
- Individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
- Family members of individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
- Parent of a child (under 18) who has or is receiving mental health services
- Mental health professional
- Mental health provider
- An attorney