Partners in Policymaking (PIP) is a leadership training program expressly for family members of people with developmental disabilities and individuals with developmental disabilities. 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.
PIP is designed to provide information, training and skill-building so that participants can influence the services they need and how those services should be delivered. 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 monthly session is devoted to specific topics with nationally known experts as presenters. Partners participants must complete assignments between sessions and commit to one major project, 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
A series of monthly training sessions begin in the fall and conclude with graduation in the spring. The monthly sessions begin on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. The exact dates for this year will be made available with your application.
Interested persons are urged to complete and submit an application as
soon as possible (deadline is Monday, August 12, 2013). An interview is part of the selection process. You
will be notified if you are selected for an interview. Space is limited!
Click here to fill out an application and be sure to tell them that ACI sent you!
For more information, please contact Dennie Todd, PIP Advocacy Training Coordinator, by calling 609-984-4516 or email dennie.todd@njcdd.org.
