With VISTAs help, People First has been busy!! A new chapter officially opened in Mesquite, NV in September of 2011. The chapter currently has 16 active members. Two VISTA’s with IDD have participated in one inclusive college class each and one other VISTA with IDD is scheduled to start in January. People First members assisted in helping to teach youth with IDD about self-advocacy and self-determination in 17 schools and community centers across the state. 170 individuals with disabilities have received training in  leadership, finances and sustainability of the People First chapters and 120 individuals with disabilities are currently active in systems advocacy. We are beginning our collaboration with the Nevada Arc for leadership training, Santa Perez – former Partner’s in Policy Making graduate has held video and phone conference calls with the Carson, Fallon, Elko and Reno chapters where she discussed officer and leadership roles and responsibilities with chapter members. Six People First chapters have received financial training, all People First chapters have set up their own bank accounts and are beginning to collect their own dues and a sustainability model/binder has been created and distributed to all chapters. People First also held a statewide board meeting on December 13th, 2012 where the current by-laws were reviewed and many additions/clarifications were added to help ensure a cohesive guide for People First as they move forward with their goal of independence and sustainability. To date, chapter fundraisers have been held in Mesquite, Reno and Las Vegas and two inclusive social events have been held  in Reno and Las Vegas bringing together eight other community agencies and 72 individuals to promote inclusion. All other chapters are currently working on their own fundraising and inclusive events as well as getting advisor/mentors to help guide chapters in their pursuit of self-advocacy and self-sustainability.