APRIL Board Opportunities for 2027

Nominations due October 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

APRIL is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors, and we invite you to consider whether you—or someone you know—would be interested in serving.


As APRIL members, you know the importance of the Independent Living Movement and the role APRIL plays in bringing the voices and experiences of people with disabilities together on a national level. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to contribute your experience, help shape APRIL’s future, and ensure that a broad range of communities and perspectives are represented.


We are particularly encouraging members to consider nominating youth leaders and candidates from states that are not currently represented on the Board. APRIL currently has Board representation from Georgia, Montana, Oklahoma, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, and Idaho. There is still plenty of room to expand state representation.

 

Positions Open for Election

Board Members at Large — 6 positions

  • Five full-term seats, serving two-year terms
  • One partial-term seat to complete the remainder of a vacated term
  • The candidate receiving the sixth-highest number of votes will fill the partial-term seat. That seat will return to its regular election schedule at the end of the term.


Youth Seats

  • One full-term seat, serving a two-year term
  • One partial-term seat to complete the remainder of a vacated term
  • Candidates must be under age 30
  • The candidate receiving the second-highest number of votes will fill the partial-term seat. That seat will return to its regular election schedule at the end of the term.


Executive Officers & Representative Positions — 4 positions

  • Board Vice President
  • Board Secretary
  • Our Voices Member (formerly the DEI Member)
  • Executive Member at Large

 

Eligibility Requirements

All nominees must:

  • Be an individual member in good standing
  • Be an active member of a Center for Independent Living (CIL) or Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
  • Have verified support from a CIL or SILC
  • Meet the organization's bylaws regarding Board composition


To ensure compliance with APRIL’s bylaws, final Board assignments will reflect the required organizational composition, including representation from both CIL and SILC members. Election results will be based on vote totals, but final seat assignments may be adjusted as necessary to meet these requirements.


Candidates for Executive Officer positions must also have served at least one full term on the APRIL Board of Directors.

 

Ready to Nominate?

Whether you are considering running yourself or would like to nominate another APRIL member, we encourage you to take this opportunity to help strengthen APRIL’s leadership for the years ahead.
Click Here to Nominate

 

If you need an accommodation to complete or submit the nomination, please email the Board of Directors at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Membership Levels and Structure

Are you interested in applying for membership with APRIL? 

APRIL has a membership portal that is available for Membership enrollment and more.

Your login lets you update your account, renew during renewal periods, view the directory, manage affiliations, and access benefits.

Members can Login here:   https://portal.april-rural.org/login
Want to pick your plan and sign up visit our portal here:     https://portal.april-rural.org/pick-your-plan
For any Technical Support Request click here:    https://form.jotform.com/252814797522061

 

Learn more about why you should join APRIL and the benefits for you as an organization, CIL, SILC, satellite location, and/or individual by clicking this link.

If you are interested in the Membership Application, click this link for a fillable application.If you are interested in the Membership Application, click this link for a fillable application. This application can be downloaded, filled out and returned via mail or email to Elissa Ellis at 501-753-3400 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you are already have an APRIL Membership and want to renew for another year, click on the link below for the Membership Renewal Form:

Why would I Join APRIL? 

1. Connection to over 260 CILs, SILCs, other organizations and individuals who share your rural independent living concerns.
2. Significantly reduced rates to attend the annual National Conference on Rural Independent Living (held at different locations each year).
3. Access to information and resources (free or at discounted rates) from our partners at the top research and training centers on independent living and rural issues:
    • University of Montana’s RTC Rural: Rural Institute on Disabilities
    • IL T&TA Center information and resources
4. Representation on APRIL Boards and Councils to ensure you have a voice at the table when it comes to research, training, and dissemination of APRIL priority information.
5. Ability to participation in APRIL’s Committees such as Advocacy, Transportation, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response. Be a part of a national campaign as part of APRIL’s initiative to expand transportation options to rural Americans with disabilities.
6. Receive complimentary e-copies of APRIL’s Newsletter, Topic Papers, Annual Reports and Membership Directory (upon request).
7. Access to mentoring opportunities; training &technical assistance; Peer Support Calls; IL Conversations and special topic workshops through APRIL’s various training activities such as various Calls to Rural America.
8. Participate in APRIL’s growing Youth Movement. APRIL was one of the first national organizations to prioritize youth seats on our Board of Directors. Join the APRIL Youth Steering Committee as they plan for the Youth Conference (that takes place during the annual APRIL Conference) or take part in Youth Coordinators Connect and Youth Peer Support calls.

For more information call or text the APRIL office at 501-753-3400 or e-mail Elissa Ellis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..