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Statewide advocacy skills and leadership training offered to Minnesotans with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities
4/26/2017 9:54:23 AM
Saint Paul — Minnesotans with disabilities, self-advocates, and parents of young children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply for the Partners in Policymaking leadership training program. This program aims to increase knowledge and confidence, and gain new tools and strategies to better advocate for their needs. Program sessions are held monthly over eight months, starting in September 2017. The program is run by the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, a division of the Minnesota Department of Administration.
Training sessions cover the history of disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, competitive employment, and avenues to influence county, state, and federal legislative processes. To make participation convenient, two-day sessions are held on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May (with no session in December). Participants also have the opportunity during their March program session to prepare and meet with legislators at the Capitol.
“Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies, and increased their self confidence in advocating for their needs through the program,” 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.”
There is no cost to the participant, as costs for the program are covered through a federal grant. Childcare and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are provided to those who travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage is reimbursed and meals are also provided. Sessions are held in Bloomington, near the Mall of America and the MSP International Airport.
Limited to 40 Minnesota residents, class members are selected by a panel of program graduates and representatives of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The first session for the 2017 to 2018 program year is September 15 to 16. Local experts and nationally recognized leaders in school inclusion, community organizing, governmental processes, and disability issues are among the presenters. The application deadline for this year’s Partners in Policymaking program is July 1, 2017.
Developed by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Partners in Policymaking program was introduced in 1987 and has trained more than 27,000 people worldwide. Described as life-changing, the highly-acclaimed leadership training program taps into national experts, and utilizes group learning experiences. In its 30-year history, Partners in Policymaking has helped more than 900 Minnesotans become effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.
“This program is based on the belief that systems change is best approached 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.
For further information, visit http://mn.gov/mnddc/pipm, or contact Lu Ann Rice at luann@togevents.com or 320-202-1831. Applications are available at http://bit.ly/2q3bI29 and can be completed and submit online.
The Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) provides best value administrative services to Minnesota's state agencies and other governmental organizations, as well as various other services to diverse audiences across the state. The department was established in 1939 by Governor Harold Stassen as part of an effort to reform state government’s administrative functions. Today, the department strives to meet that mission and continues to act as a leader in government administration and operations. With $176.5 million in annual operating costs and 475 full-time employees, Admin oversees $2.1 billion in state purchases, maintains 4.4 million square feet of owned space and leases an additional 3.6 million square feet of space for over 100 state agencies, boards and councils. The agency also insures $12 billion in property and 13,400 vehicles, and manages over 400 building projects and $166 million in capital appropriations.
