PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING

Partners in PolicyMaking
2011-2012 Schedule

September 17 & 18
October 15 & 16
November 19 & 20
December 17 & 18
January 21 & 22
February 25 & 26
March 24 & 25
April 21 & 22
 

Building Leaders

Partners in Policymaking PIP is a leadership training program. It is expressly for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Participants [Partners] acquire knowledge about issues related to developmental disabilities, helping build their competency as advocates who can effectively influence public policy. The overall goal is to achieve an effective partnership between people needing and using services and those in a position to effect policy and law.

PIPis designed to provide information, training and skill- building so that participant can obtain the most appropriate current services for themselves or others. Partners learn about the most up-to-date issues and best practices in the field. They become familiar with the policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state and federal levels.

Each of the eight two-day sessions is devoted to specific topics with presenters who are experts in their fields. Partners are expected to complete assignments between sessions and to commit to one major personal goal – these might be serving an internship, organizing a letter-writing campaign, or arranging special receptions or town meetings for the public and town officials.

Each session is devoted to specific topics with nationally known experts as presenters. Partners participants must complete assignments between sessions and commit to one major assignment, such as serving an internship, organizing a letter writing campaign, organizing special receptions or town meetings for public officials.

 In general, session topics may include:

• History of the Independent Living, Parent and Self-Advocacy movements

• Issues in Education for People with Developmental Disabilities

• Self-Directed Living

• Supported Employment and Work

• Family Support

• Positive Behavioral Supports

• Federal Policy and Legislative Issues

• State Policy, Services and legislative Issues

• Interaction with State Policymakers

• Community Organizing and Successful Advocacy Organization Efforts

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides state-of-the-art knowledge about developmental disabilities issues and builds the competencies necessary to become advocates who can effectively influence system change. “Partners” learn about current issues and best practices and become familiar with the policymaking and legislative processes at the local, state, and federal levels.  The overall goal is to achieve a productive partnership between people needing and using services and those in a position to make policy and law.

Hands-On Training

A series of eight consecutive monthly training sessions begin in September and conclude with graduation in April. The monthly sessions begin each Saturday at 12 noon and conclude on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Attendance at all eight sessions is mandatory. The exact dates for this year will be made available with your application.

Participation

The Council on developmental Disabilities is eager that members of each partner in Policymaking class represent a cross-section of disability, ethnic background and geographic location within the state.

Space is Limited!

Only a limited number of applications are accepted, statewide, each year. Interested persons are urged to complete and submit an application as soon as possible. An interview is part of the selection process. You will be notified if you are selected for an interview.

Expenses

Overnight accommodations, meals and personal expenses are provided as needed. Travel and respite care expenses are reimbursed

Congratulations to thePIP
Graduating Class of 2010-11

Timothy Allen
Michael Betts
Patrick Cicalese
Frank Collier
Ellen Engels
Triesha Galloway
Gail Green
Jason J. Gregory
David Mariconda
Shelli Marquette
Susana Medina
Michelle Mello
Audrey Mills
Lydia Nimene
Dalay Thompson
Michele Tyler