Applying for a seat on the SILC
The Maine SILC has a maximum of 22 seats that are carefully selected in order to help represent a wide spectrum of individuals, organizations, and government services concerned with independent living. Emphasis is placed on having a majority of members with a disability who have experience in living independently. New members are chosen to fill specific required representative seats that may be vacant, and the membership committee will help determine which of these seats would fit you.
At the beginning of the application process, the Executive Director or a current council member will meet with you to discuss the SILC and to offer assistance to you throughout the process. You will be invited to attend at least one of the monthly SILC meetings, as an integral part of the application process. Attendance includes: in person, by phone, or by videoconferencing.
Your application will be submitted to the Governor’s office after you have attended a SILC meeting and have met with the Executive Director or current Council members. The Governor of Maine approves applications and appoints individuals to a seat on the SILC. A term of SILC membership is up to three years and a member can only serve two consecutive terms. With a year of absence from the Council, an individual can apply for membership again.
Attendance of meetings are critical to keeping the need of independent living in the spotlight. Members are expected to engage and contribute in various tasks to help accomplish goals.