Leadership and ADVOCACY SKILLS TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Nationally recognized Partners in Policymaking® program welcomes statewide applications, offered at no cost
Comprehensive disability advocacy training offered Minnesotans with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. These individuals are encouraged to apply for the Partners in Policymaking®, a nationally recognized leadership training program. Eight sessions are held over nine months, starting in September 2018.
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities created the program to increase advocacy skill levels. “Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies and increased their self confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Dr. Colleen Wieck, Executive Director of the Governor’s Council. “Many have become leaders in their own communities as they speak up for people with disabilities.” The Minnesota-inspired program is also offered in most states and several foreign countries.
Described by many as life-changing, the highly acclaimed and finely-tuned leadership training taps into national experts and utilizes group participatory learning experiences. There is no cost for participants. In its 30-year history, it has helped over 980 Minnesotans become effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.
Sessions cover the history of disabilities and parent, self-advocacy and independent living movements, inclusive education, supported living, competitive employment, and avenues to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. To make participation convenient, the two-day sessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays, from September to May (with no session in December), except for a Sunday and Monday session in March when participants prepare and meet with legislators at the Capitol.
Costs for the Partners program are covered by a federal grant. Child care and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are also provided for those who travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage is reimbursed, and meals are also provided. Sessions are held at the Crowne Plaza Aire, at 3 Appletree Square in Bloomington, near the Mall of America and the MSP International Airport.
Limited to 40 Minnesota residents, a panel of Partners graduates, and representatives of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities select the participants. The first session for the 2018 to 2019 program year is September 21 to 22. Local experts and nationally recognized leaders in school inclusion, community organizing, governmental processes, and disability issues are among the presenters. The application deadline is July 9, 2018.
“This program is based on the belief that systems change is best brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, and we seek to arm these individuals with the tools needed to be successful in the public policy arena,” said Wieck.
Those selected to participate in the program must attend all sessions and complete homework assignments. For further information or to get an application form, click here, or contact Brenton Rice at brenton@togevents.com, or 612-242-6589.
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities introduced the Partners in Policymaking program in 1987, and, through expansion to other states and countries, has trained more than 27,000 people worldwide.
Minnesota Partners in Policymaking
For further information, contact:
Brenton Rice, 612-242-6589, brenton@togevents.com or
Sherie Wallace, The Wallace Group, 877-832-4548, sherie@wallacegroup.com
