SOAR Local Leads

Hello, SOAR Superstars! What a summer we have had! I have been amazed and humbled watching you remain committed to serving your clients during these challenging times. We see you going the extra mile and are full of gratitude for the work you do!

I am reaching out with an announcement regarding our SOAR Leadership Academy. SAMHSA's SOAR TA Center holds Leadership Academy training for individuals who are interested in taking an active leadership role with SOAR in their community. As you have already witnessed, our SOAR Local Leads are the backbone of SOAR in their local communities. If you love providing technical assistance, have a knack for organizing meetings, or really enjoy providing training you may have a place as a SOAR Local Leads. Our Local Leads often work in partnership with other Leads in the area and share roles and responsibilities.

What is a SOAR Leadership Academy?

The SOAR Leadership Academy is a three-day training program presented by the SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance (TA) Center designed to prepare individuals to serve as SOAR Local Leads.

What is a SOAR Local Lead?

SOAR Local Leads assist with the implementation of their state's SOAR Action Plan and guide the SOAR initiatives in their communities by:

• holding steering committee meetings;

• leading SOAR Online Course training cohorts and conducting half-day SOAR Online Course Review Sessions;

• mentoring individuals who complete the SOAR Online Course; and

• reporting outcomes.

The Leadership Academy Overview (DOCX) further describes the expectations of participants, the topics covered at Leadership Academies, and the roles and responsibilities of local leads.

For additional information, please look at the SOAR Leadership Academy page. If you're interested or have questions, please reach out to me via email at georgi.fisher@dbhds.virginia.gov.