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
