Connect
Meet other families who understand your journey — and build friendships that last.
Family Leadership Circles
Start with a conversation.
Build something that matters.
Small groups of families and self-advocates coming together to support each other, share lived experience, and create change in their communities.
Family Leader Membership: $15/month or $150/year
Includes the Arc Dani Plan, Leadership Circles, training discounts, and National Arc membership.
This is where it starts.
Share
Talk about real challenges and real solutions with people who truly get it.
Build
Turn ideas and shared experience into real action in your community.
What could your circle become?
Every circle is unique. You choose what matters most to your community — and The Arc of Iowa helps you build it.
A group focused on transition planning
A parent-led support network
A local advocacy effort
A community project that creates change
It's easier than you think.
1
Start with a conversation.
It can be as simple as coffee with someone who gets it.
2
Invite a few people.
Gather those who care about the same things you do.
3
We help you build from there.
Get tools, training, and support every step of the way.
Leadership often starts with a cup of coffee.
You're not doing this alone.
Tools
Use the Arc Dani Plan and conversation cards to guide your circle's work and planning.
Structure
Family Leadership Circles provide a proven framework that keeps you moving forward.
Support
Training, coaching, and ongoing support from The Arc of Iowa team.
Community
Join a statewide network of families and self-advocates making an impact across Iowa.
This movement has always been built by families.
Nancy
A mom who saw a need, loved her child fiercely, and helped spark adult-height adjustable changing spaces across Iowa. Because she showed up and refused to accept the status quo.
Julie Beckett
Her determination helped create the HCBS waivers that families across this country rely on to this day. She started as a parent who simply wanted better for her child.
Marty Adkins
Who imagined a place where people with disabilities could shine on stage, and built Shining Stars Theatre Company. Because he believed in what was possible.
"We're building something where families don't have to figure this out alone anymore — and where their voices actually shape what comes next."
Member Tools Built for You
🗂️ The Arc of Iowa Dani Plan
A tool built for you — and everyone who loves and supports your family member.
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Organize important informationKeep everything about your loved one in one place.
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Create an emergency planMake sure the right people know what to do when you cannot be there.
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Never lose a document againStore key records, forms, plans, contacts, and updates where they are easy to find.
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Communicate with your provider networkShare the information your support team needs to provide better, more consistent care.
🃏 Arc Leadership Cards
Guided conversation cards that help build stronger communities — one real conversation at a time.
Designed to help families, self-advocates, providers, and community members talk about real-life experiences, identify needs, discover solutions, and build leadership together.
Perfect for Leadership Circles, support groups, trainings, coffee conversations, advocacy events, and community gatherings.
Just Us Getting to know one another
What Helps Sharing supports and successes
What We Need Identifying barriers and opportunities
Real Talk Honest conversations that inspire change
Because leadership often starts with a simple conversation.
Your voice.
Your community.Your impact.
Family Leader Membership: $15/month or $150/year
Includes the Arc Dani Plan, Leadership Circles, training discounts, and National Arc membership.
Start something in your community.
We'll give you the tools and help you grow it.
Join a circle near you.
Connect with others and be part of something meaningful.