Before you meet
Do your homework. This cannot be emphasized enough! Learn what the organization is doing. Here are a few questions to think about:
- What are the organization’s strategic objectives and goals?
- What work have they done in your community? What have they supported?
- What are their policies on inclusion of people with disabilities?
- Who are their local partners?
When you meet
Focus on building relationships. This is a two-way meeting, both about what you can do for them and what they can do for you; about what you can offer and what they can bring to the table. Keep these tips in mind:
- Ask them about their work
- Appreciate their accomplishments and important work
- Give them a comprehensive overview of the work you are doing
- Leave them with something physical such as a business card or brochure that they might refer back to later
- Offer them your invaluable services on inclusion of people with disabilities in international development such as:
- Provide trainings to staff at their headquarters on barriers people with disabilities face and the importance of inclusion
- Provide practical information on making office space and services accessible
- Provide practical information and consultation on making communication materials accessible
- You are an invaluable resource for identifying people with disabilities in the community to strengthen their outreach
- You can give guidance on the specific needs of people with disabilities
6. Ask how you can be helpful to their organization, to accomplish the goals you share