Villard resident Kassandra Hubbard graduated with 21 others from Partners in Policymaking, a nine-month, comprehensive training in disability law and policies. Hubbard and her husband are raising their daughter who has spina bifida and her disabilities require daily attention. Knowing how earnestly Hubbard advocates for her daughter, a social worker told her about Partners.

Hubbard valued the guest lecturers who are actively working in their fields. Multiple exercises, led by current and retired legislators, showed her how each exercise was building to the finale. All preparations were focused on the Capitol visit in March where they would meet with their own legislators. “It was a wonderful experience,” said Hubbard. 

Learning the process of connecting like-minded groups, focusing on critical issues, writing/introducing bills and advocating for change, gave Hubbard confidence to organize families in her area and she has made plans to start this summer. She sees advocacy as a long journey for her family and wants her daughter to learn to be proud to stand up for what is right and fair treatment.

Minnesotans with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply for the upcoming comprehensive advocacy training course, Partners in Policymaking®.   The training is free to participants.

“Our goal is that graduates gain a clear understanding of disability law and policies.  The training increases their self-confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Dr. Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. “As they have learned to speak up for people with disabilities, many have become leaders in their own communities.” The Minnesota-inspired program is also offered in most states and several foreign countries.  

This highly acclaimed and finely tuned leadership training taps into national experts and utilizes group participation.  Described by many as life-changing, in its 35-year history, more than 1,100 Minnesotans have become leaders in their own communities.  Participants become effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.

Costs for the Partners program are covered by a federal grant. Childcare and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are provided for those who travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage is reimbursed, and meals are provided. Sessions are held at the Crowne Plaza Aire, at 3 Appletree Square in Bloomington, near Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Limited to 35 Minnesotans, participants are selected by a panel of Partners graduates and representatives of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The first session for the 2022 to 2023 program year is September 16 to 17.  Local experts and nationally recognized leaders in school inclusion, community organizing, governmental processes, and disability issues are among the presenters.  Applicationshttps://fs10.formsite.com/bfSJU5/efq0pytlzr/index.html   are due by July 15, 2022.  

“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 on class expectations, or to get an application form, go to https://mn.gov/mnddc/partnersinpolicymaking/class40/index.html or contact Brenton Rice atbrenton@togevents.com, or 651-242-6589.

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.

Comprehensive advocacy training course, Partners in Policymaking® is now taking applications from Minnesotans with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.  There is no cost for this program. Starting in September, training is presented in eight sessions over nine months.  Applications are due by July 15, 2022.  If you have questions contact Brenton Rice, 651-242-6589, brenton@togevents.com or Sherie Wallace, 877-832-4548, sherie@wallacegroup.com.