Council-Sponsored Grant Activities: Partners in Policymaking®
Partners in Policymaking Class 25 at the State Capitol
Class member works with "coach" to learn how to approach Minnesota State Legislators.
Class members hard at work
Class member talking with her legislator.
…always more to learn
Graduation Day - May 10, 2008
Class members meet with Representative Shelley Madore
(who is also a graduate of Partners Class 20!)
Class member works with "coach" to
learn how to approach Minnesota State Legislators.
Shamus O'Meara, Chair of the DD Council,
talks with a Class 25 graduate.
A Kraemer family tradition! Father, graduate of Class 1,
comes to see his son graduate from Class 25!
Some members of Class 25 on graduation day.
Partners in Policymaking Class 25 Quotes
Partners is a wonderful program. Thank you for giving me the tools to move forward. I want to be a role model for my daughter — that people with disabilities are people and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Chrissy Ellenbach, DuluthThis is a truly essential program for people with disabilities. No single training offers the comprehensive educational experience that it does.
Matt Kramer, BurnsvillePartners was full of wonderful information but it was also full of fun. It was great to be around a group of others who truly understood what I was going through. I always felt I could make a difference but now I KNOW I CAN!
Marta McClanahan, BaxterBefore this program I thought the experts had my son's interests at heart and always knew what was right. I let them under-estimate him, stereotype him and use generalizations when making recommendations for him. Because of Partners I am a better mother and a better support to my peers and other parents who have children with disabilities. Thanks for the knowledge, the practice, the confidence and an evolved world view.
Amy Halford, SavagePartners taught me so much! It has not only helped me discover ways to make the lives of my children more fulfilling, it helped me in my work with "at risk" children. Partners helped me realize that my purpose in life is to advocate for equality for all.
Debra Kuglin, PlymouthBefore this program I was low and down about my son's future. Partners and my fellow Class 25 members have given me my hope back. I can see my son's future — and it's looking good!
Debbie Burmeister, DuluthI gained so many lessons during my nine months with Partners the most important of which was that I am powerful. I can tell my story and impact decision makers. I now feel confident in my beliefs and plan on sharing the information with others.
Diane Allen, Rosemount
PARTNERS IN POLICYMAKING®
(Partners Program, Graduate Workshops, and Follow Along Activities)
Supplier:
Government Training Services
2233 University Avenue West, Suite 150
St. Paul, Minnesota 55114
(651) 222-7409 voice
(651) 223-5307 fax
www.mngts.org
Email: mngts@mngts.org
Federal funds: $210,000
Match Funds: $86,285
Partners in Policymaking Class 25 (8 weekend sessions):
| Total of 31 graduates representing 18 counties | |
| Adults with disabilities | = 12 |
| Parents | = 18 |
| Parents with disabilities | = 1 |
| Minority representation | = 2 |
Overall attendance: 92 % (performance goal 90% - 100%)
| Session evaluations (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest): | |
| Knowledge gained: | 4.4 |
| Usefulness of information: | 4.5 |
| Quality of presentations: | 4.7 |
Increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and Inclusion (IPSII) as a result of the training program (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest):
| BASELINE IPSII | GRADUATION IPSII | |
| Independence: | 4.1 | 4.6 |
| Productivity: | 3.8 | 4.5 |
| Self Determination: | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Integration/inclusion: | 3.5 | 4.4 |
Testimonials
"I learned that we can move mountains when we work together and don't have to stay ‘in the box'."
"I've found a focus and have built up a network and my personal self confidence. I know I can affect a lot more people. I know how to be present in my community and what avenues to pursue. I used to be afraid of the past; now I see my past experiences as attributes."
"I got a lot of knowledge, moved to a new home situation, and put on a few pounds."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to be educated. I found unity in the group, open mindedness, power, friendships, strength, and possibilities."
"My son does have a sunny future. I won't tolerate exclusion ever again. I have lots of support, ideas, compassion, courage, and knowledge."
"Partners has given me my hope back."
"You have helped us all to help ourselves. It doesn't get any better than that."
Total of 30 Partners participants completed the ADD customer satisfaction survey with the following results:
| Treated with respect: | 100% |
| Overall satisfaction with this activity: | |
| Strongly agree: | 96% |
| Agree | 4% |
| Life is better as a result of participation in this activity: | |
| Strongly agree | 97% |
| Disagree | 3% |
| Know my rights: | 97% = Yes |
| Feel safe/better protect self | 97% = Yes |
Partners Graduate Workshops (two workshops held)
"Skills for Negotiating Difficult Conversations" – 32 participants
| Workshop evaluation (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest): | |
| Knowledge gained: | 4.6 |
| Usefulness of information: | 4.5 |
| Quality of presentations: | 4.1 |
| Increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and Inclusion (IPSII) as a result of workshop participation (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest): |
|
| Increased independence: | 4.1 |
| Increased productivity: | 4.0 |
| Increased self determination: | 4.4 |
| Increased integration/inclusion: | 4.1 |
"Transition from School to Post-School: Best Practices" – 40 participants
| Workshop evaluation (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest): | |
| Knowledge gained: | 4.7 |
| Usefulness of information: | 4.4 |
| Quality of presentations: | 4.3 |
| Increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and Inclusion (IPSII) as a result of workshop participation (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest): |
|
| Increased independence: | 3.7 |
| Increased productivity: | 3.7 |
| Increased self determination: | 3.8 |
| Increased integration/inclusion: | 4.0 |