Apply Now for Partners in Policymaking®
What Is Partners in Policymaking®?
Partners in Policymaking® prepares parents of children with developmental disabilities and adults with developmental disabilities to be effective advocates at state and local levels. Over 30 states have a Partners program, including Maryland.
This year, the Council has awarded a $100,000 grant to The Arc Maryland to manage the state’s 2020 Partners in Policymaking® program. The Arc Maryland has provided funding as well.
The program comprises nine sessions that will take place between September of 2019 and June of 2020. Sessions will take deep dives into topics such as legislation, person-centered planning, education, employment, housing, and more. Additionally, sessions will feature speakers from national, state, and local levels to teach class members how to influence policy and plan for a better future.
Join Partners and Become an Agent of Change
Participating in the Partners Program is an opportunity to take another step in creating the systemic change needed in your community and beyond. As a Partner, you get the tools and education you need to create, work towards, and achieve a vision of shared values about people with developmental disabilities.
The Arc Maryland is looking for approximately 30 future leaders across the state, including people with developmental disabilities, parents of children with developmental disabilities, and family members, to make up the 2020 Partners class. The deadline for applying is August 16, 2019. Please note that you must be able to attend all nine sessions.
Apply to become a Partner in Policymaking.
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A Powerful Opportunity to Advocate for Yourself and Others “I feel so fortunate to have been able to participate alongside so many seasoned advocates and self-advocates so early in our journey. From person-centered planning to effective policy advocacy, to partnering with my child’s school for the best education experience possible, among many other topics, this has given me the tools in my toolkit that I wasn’t aware I needed. Connecting with the guest speakers, staff, and the other Partners has been a treasure and a powerful networking opportunity, making this an invaluable experience and one that I hope will allow me to be a change-maker for my son and others.” Angie Auldridge, 2019 Partners Class Member |
Questions? Join The Arc Maryland for an Informational Phone Call
The Arc Maryland will be hosting an applicant information call on Monday, Aug. 5, at 1:00 p.m. to go over the program and application, as well as answer any questions you may have. To register, please contact Arylon Brooks at The Arc Maryland at abrooks@thearcmd.org or 410-571-9320.
2019-2020 Partners Schedule
To participate, you must be able to attend all of the sessions, which will take place in Columbia, Maryland. The one-day sessions take place from 9:00 am to 5 pm. The two-day overnight sessions take place from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday.
Session 1: Sunday, Sept. 22 & Monday, Sept. 23, 2019: History of the Developmental Disabilities Movement; Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
Session 2: Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019: Developing Your Ideal Life
Session 3: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019: State Laws and Policies and Those Who Create Them
Session 4: Sunday, Jan. 12 & Monday, Jan. 13, 2020: Inclusive Education and Lifelong Learning/Assistive Technology
Session 5: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020: Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature
Session 6: Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Federal Laws and Advocacy in Action
Session 7: Sunday, April 26 & Monday, April 27, 2020: Living Your Ideal Life
Session 8: Tuesday, May 19, 2020: Taking Your Place
Session 9: Tuesday, June 2, 2020: The Arc Maryland Annual Convention