Posted by Jim Lockwood on December 10, 2008 under PIPCA News, Training Class News | 
NOTE: The application period is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications.
You can now download either Spanish or English verions of the 2009 Partners in Policymaking application by simply clicking the following links.
2009 Spanish Application (Word Document)
2009 Spanish Appliction (PDF Document)
2009 English Application (Word Document)
2009 English Application (PDF Document)
Completed applications can be mailed, emailed or faxed to us at:
Partners in Policymaking California
1225 8th Street, Suite 350
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-441-3494 fax
jim@pipcalifornia.org
And, of course, you can also complete the application online in English.
Posted by Jim Lockwood on December 5, 2008 under General Information |
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities focused on “teaching best practices in disability, and the competencies of influencing public officials.”
History
The first Partners in Policymaking program was presented in Minnesota over twenty years ago by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The program was designed to be a ground-breaking, innovative training program to teach parents and self-advocates the power of advocacy to change the way people with disabilities are supported, viewed, taught, live and work. During the past two decades more than 15,000 Partners graduates have become a part of the growing national and international network of community leaders serving on policy making committees, commissions, and boards at all levels of government.
Partners in Policymaking California
In 2006 the California Collaborative was awarded a grant from the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities to replicate the Partners in Policymaking leadership training program in California. It had been more than ten years since there had been a Partners in Policymaking training in the state. In 2007, more than 36 participants graduated from the training held in Sacramento for residents of Northern California. In 2008, a class of similar size graduated in Bakersfield and included participants from the Central California region. In 2009, Partners in Policymaking California will be in Los Angeles County for residents of that county.
In California, the Partners in Policymaking curriculum is adapted to include California specific public policy developmental services information in the context of our state government, legislation, statewide organizations and associations, the advocacy community, and other important California resources. The sessions will include:
- History of Disability Awareness, Services, and Advocacy,
- Inclusive Education,
- Service Coordination by Local Governments/Regional Centers,
- Assistive Technology and Positioning,
- Community Organizing and Advocacy,
- State Government and State Legislation,
- Supported and Competitive Employment,
- Supported and Independent Living,
- Federal Government and Federal Legislation, and
- Parliamentary Procedure and Serving on Boards.
All topics will be covered during eight weekend sessions, one each month for eight months, culminating in a formal graduation involving legislators, family and important community representatives. Sessions will typically occur each month beginning on a Friday afternoon and finishing on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning. It is expected that each trainee participate in approximately 130 hours of education and hands-on exercises. One such exercise includes giving testimony at a mock hearing held at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
Training Expenses
The Partners in Policymaking California will pay for each participant’s expenses including travel (mileage reimbursement or actual transportation cost), lodging, meals, childcare and assistance. Program participants stay connected through the Internet and the Partners email listserv. Assistance is provided to anyone who is not currently using email or the Internet.
Training during the eight month program is provided by local, state and national experts brought in to provide leadership training and guidance. Again, there is no cost to the participants for the training or associated expenses.
The California Collaborative
Partners in Policymaking California is overseen by a committee of representatives from several state associations. This committee is referred to as the California Collaborative, or just the Collaborative. The members of the Collaborative are:
For more information, contact Jim Lockwood at jim(a)pipcalifornia.org or 1-800-698-6619.
