Council-Sponsored Grant Activities:
Partners in Policymaking®

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Partners in Policymaking Class 25 at the State Capitol

Class members hard at work

Class member works with "coach" to learn how to approach Minnesota State Legislators.

...always more to learn

Class members meet with Representative Shelley Madore (who is also a graduate of Partners Class 20!)

Class member talking with her legislator.

Graduation Day - May 10, 2008

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, Duluth

This is a truly essential program for people with disabilities. No single training offers the comprehensive educational experience that it does.
   Matt Kramer, Burnsville

Partners 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, Baxter

Before 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, Savage

Partners 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, Plymouth

Before 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, Duluth

I 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):

Overall attendance: 92 % (performance goal 90% - 100%)

Increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and Inclusion (IPSII) as a result of the training program (scale of 1 to 5; 5 = highest):

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:

Partners Graduate Workshops (two workshops held)

“Skills for Negotiating Difficult Conversations” – 32 participants

“Transition from School to Post-School: Best Practices” – 40 participants