Presented by Robin Kennedy, Director of Agency Relations, United for CHOICE!

Presented by Robin Kennedy, Director of Agency Relations,

United for CHOICE!

It all starts with an inspiring GOAL:

To advance advocacy and outreach: • Engage our stakeholders - persons with disabilities,

family members and community members.

• Establish a sustainable structure with a purpose.

Our Assets:

• Invested stakeholders: consumer council, well developed communication practices from agency, engaged community.

• Strong and knowledgeable state association: RFW In Action, Wisconsin

• Organizational commitment: from agency Board of Directors and President for investment of staff, budget allocation and time for development and ongoing implementation.

Our Challenges:

• Lack of structure: many invested people – how to bring them together?

• Difficult to sustain: one time initiatives very successful, but always a challenge to keep it going.

• Many voices, no consistent message for all: very committed people, but lacking a consistent message.

Our Needs:

• Create a structure that is organized, purposeful and sustaining.

• Engage our invested stake holders.

• Implement at a state level and national level.

The PLAN:

Objective 1 – Create the structure: 1. Define a mission that is uniting 2. Provide options for involvement – the 3 As 3. Establish a model, agendas, process

Objective 2 – Engage Stakeholders: 1. Review internal and external stakeholders2. Consider individual interest level and history of involvement 3. Invite to orientation meeting

Objective 3 – Implement the plan: 1. Establish local Team – guidelines/schedule/agendas/minutes 2. Follow through – recognize successes 3. Expand throughout the state

The Result: A TEAM!

MISSION: To ignite the passion and energy of persons with disabilities and their families…….

• to advocate in a grassroots efforts• create awareness in the community • advise those who care for our citizens with special

needs to ensure service choices are protected and sustained.

What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As :

ADVOCACY: Organize efforts to promote the rights of individuals

with disabilities.

• Legislative meetings/communications• Visit the Capitol • Action Alerts• Petition drives

What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As:

AWARENESS: Promote the accomplishments and everyday

challenges overcome by persons with disabilities and their family members to ensure their authentic stories are shared throughout the community.

• Social Media• Video Testimonials• Radio Promotion

What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As :

ADVISEMENT: Provide peer support and organizational feedback to

meet the current and future needs of persons with disabilities.

• Establish a Grassroots Advocacy Website• Network, fellowship, community involvement • Team meetings, state association events, forums

A TEAM Wisconsin!

• 9 Chapters (14 Rehab Organizations collaborating)

• Committed to A TEAM Guidelines - one voice!

• State wide Network – social media, conference calls, and annual events

Our A TEAM Success: Wisconsin

• 3 DAY at the CAPITOL events: over 75 legislative visits – welcome presentations 2014 and 2015 from Lt. Governor of Wisconsin

• State Petition Campaigns over 6000 signatures • Established My Work. My Choice. Campaign: engaged self-advocates to promote

their choices for work, home and life in a positive and simple way. Theme song. • State wide Grassroots event over 400 united. National advocate Evelyne Villines. • Federal legislator letter writing campaign/post card campaign over 3000. • Voice your Choice Tour – 11 stops, over 700 rallied, nearly 3000 voices to DHS.

Over the road public relations with A TEAM Mobile Unit. • MacIver Institute Promotion and Partnership • Over 50 Legislative Tours across the state My Work. My Choice. • Big Win!!! Wisconsin DHS commitment to protecting a full array of choices in

the state – official letter to Center for Medicaid Services.• http://ateamwisconsin.org

A TEAM Success: Next Steps

• National expansion – A TEAM Nevada!

• Excitement growing around the country – model fits within non-profit structure, ensures sustainability

• Tool Kit/Webinar – to be released this year

• Pursuit for financial support – foundation/other

• Building partnership Source America/ACCSES

Thank you!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller

For more information on the A TEAM , please join us at the Continental Breakfast 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM

Tuesday, January 13th 2015

www.ateamwisconsin.org