"The Power of Us: Connect, Reflect, and Grow"

The Georgia Pathways to Partnerships (P2P) project is proud to share the overwhelming positive and successful implementation of our very first P2P CIL Instructor Mini Professional Learning Conference, “The Power of Us,” held at Roosevelt Warm Springs. This impactful professional learning event brought together instructors and peer mentors from seven Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across Georgia, from both Cohort 1 (Pilot CILs) and Cohort 2 (Replication CILs). Over two days, this mini-conference served as an opportunity for deeper, purposeful mission-driven collaboration, strengthening collaborative efforts and further cultivating lasting capacity among CILs in our endeavor to support children and youth with disabilities across the state of Georgia.

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Teamwork at its finest! The blindfolded Marshmallow Challenge gave CIL instructors a fun way to practice teamwork and problem-solving, just like the adaptability they encourage in students of all abilities

Facilitated by the P2P Educator Liaisons, teams participated in interactive team building activities and challenges, explored updates to the Pathway to Dreams curriculum, and gained fresh ideas to strengthen instruction. Participants engaged in sessions on topics such as specific instructional strategies for students with disabilities, deepening understanding of Pre-ETS core areas taught, collaborative roundtable discussions, interactive tools for student engagement, collaborative planning for the 25-26 school year, and team building.

This professional learning opportunity not only reinforced current practices but also opened the door to peer-to-peer sharing and networking. Brainstorming among the teams also led to new ideas to help foster stronger connections with families and youth. With both Cohort 1 (Pilot CILs) and Cohort 2 (Replication CILs) participating, Pilot CILs were able to share valuable lessons from their first year of Pathway to Dreams implementation. This knowledge exchange laid a stronger foundation for Cohort 2, providing clarity and confidence as they move forward with replication efforts.

Fostering a strong sense of community was at the heart of "The Power of Us," providing the opportunity for CIL instructors and peer mentors to reflect, connect, and grow together- building the kind of relationships that fuel long-term sustainability.

More than just a mini conference, “The Power of Us” was a celebration and exemplar of what happens when individuals come together to work as one to share knowledge, support one another, and strengthen their collective commitment to the mission of supporting children and youth with disabilities successfully transition to competitive integrated employment (CIE). Everyone left with a renewed sense of purpose committed to make an even greater impact for the children and youth with disabilities they serve.

We are One Team, One Dream, Better Together: The Power of Us!

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CIL instructors dove into the updated Pathway to Dreams Pre-ETS materials, building skills and teamwork to better support and empower students this year.

Please see our "The Power of Us" poem below, which is how the mini conference was concluded:

We rise as one, with hearts open wide, empowering youth with hope as our guide.

Through shared stories, Pre-ETS, and pathways new, we show what CILs and youth can do.

When barriers rise, we stand our ground; our team brings solutions all around.

When challenges come, we do not fear. Our team just pivots with courage each year.

We listen close and lead with care, because every voice deserves to be shared.

We learn, we grow, we lift, we lead, answering every youth driven need.

From planning camps to guiding dreams, we’re stronger together, a powerful team.

Together we dream, together we do, because this mission takes me and you.

We show up with purpose, heart, and trust, because nothing's stronger than

The Power of Us!