Bringing Everyone to the Table:

Promising Practices for Inclusive Public Policymaking

Presentation by:

Clyde TerryGranite State Independent Living Center

and

Barbara OttoNational Consortium for Health Systems Development

I. Inclusive Public Policymaking - What is it? - What is in it for you?

II. The Process of Inclusiveness

III. Modeling Inclusiveness for Success- State examples

Agenda for Today

The Basics: What is Inclusive Public Policymaking?

“IPPM” is a process

where stakeholders participate

(e.g. planning, design, implementation, evaluation)

in program development

(e.g. regulations, policies, activities).

Why is it important?

Practicing inclusive public policymaking is a way to do business that achieves RESULTS:

- A constituency for long-term support

- Avoiding costly mistakes

- Sustainable programs that work smarter

- Maximizing resources

Results for PROGRAM COORDINATORS

• Valuable advice and insight

• Ability to identify problems before they happen

• Enhanced professional opportunities

• Program allies

• Jumpstart for outreach and evaluation

Results for STAKEHOLDERS

• A program that works

• Opportunity to be an expert: share valued experiences and input

• Enhanced relationships

• Increased access to information

• Protects interests against threats

Getting Started

BELIEVE that the process

achieves RESULTS.

“Believing in the Process” Requires:

• Time

• Energy

• Commitment

• Some Frustration

AND…

“Believing in the Process” Requires:

...a willingness to

• Nurture

• Cultivate

• Listen

• Learn

• Be task-oriented

• Avoid assuming

• Practice logistics

The Process

Step 1: Identify the role of stakeholders.

The Process

Step 1: Identify the role of stakeholders.

Step 2: Find stakeholders.

The Process

Step 1: Identify the role of stakeholders.

Step 2: Find stakeholders.

Step 3: Make it meaningful.

Making it Meaningful

• Engage people on the front end.

• Consider a decision-making structure.

• Set clear goals and responsibilities.

• Educate to activate.

• Be honest, but open to alternatives.

• Progress takes time--invest the time required.

• Acknowledge the work that is done.

• Provide supports.

Providing SupportsExplore ways to share information and maximize participation.

• Provide soft supports:- Pre-meeting briefing sessions - Meeting coach or mentor- Technology (e-mail, tele- and video-conferences)

• And hard supports:- Accessible meeting location and time- Personal care- Stipends for lost wages, transportation and/or food- Alternative formats and/or interpreters

Stakeholder Responsibilities

• Do your homework.

• Take risks, and go beyond your comfort zone.

• If asked or assigned a task, do it! Respect comes from doing.

• Ask for soft and hard supports up front.

• Ask for alternative formats.

The Process

Step 1: Identify the role of stakeholders.

Step 2: Find stakeholders.

Step 3: Make it meaningful.

Step 4: Move the group to action.

Moving the Group to Action

• Don’t reinvent the wheel.

• Look to your networks and resources.

• Celebrate success.

• Give away the credit.

The Process

Step 1: Identify the role of stakeholders.

Step 2: Find stakeholders.

Step 3: Make it meaningful.

Step 4: Move the group to action.

Step 5: Review, modify, and repeat!

Modeling the Way:

Inclusiveness Ensures Success

• The process achieves results.

• Inclusiveness is worth the investment: the return is long-term success and sustainability.

• Examples: UT, NH & WV

Questions

and

Answers

THANK YOU!

Clyde Terryclyde.terry@gsil.org

Barbara Ottobotto@hdavocates.org