New Jersey Partners in Policymaking

2020-2021 Hybrid Online & In Person Program

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21) and family members of young children and transition age youth available through collaboration between The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Rights New Jersey. The goal of this program is to prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in our state.

The 2020-2021 Partners in Policymaking sessions are currently scheduled to take place using a hybrid model that combines virtual learning through the use of online technology and in-person training sessions, beginning in September 2020 and continuing through April 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic brings uncertainty with how long social-distancing measures will need to be in place. While we hope to be able to meet in person in January, the situation will be monitored and accommodations to continue with virtual learning will be made as needed.

Through participation in virtual and/or in-person educational leadership development sessions and completion of online assignments, selected participants learn about best practices and important areas for advocacy from nationally-known experts. Upon completion of the program, participants will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to:

• Advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life

• Be members of advisory boards and committees

• Work alongside policymakers and state agencies

  
  

Requirements of Participation

• Participation in all educational leadership development sessions held online and in New Brunswick, NJ.
  • Online sessions to be held one weekend a month Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday
    9:00 am – 1:00 pm in September, October, November, and December and one Wednesday a
    month from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm in September, October, and December
  • In person sessions to be held Friday 2:00 pm - 8:30 pm and Saturday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm in
    January, February, March, and April (contingent on social distancing requirements)
• Completion of between session online assignments. These assignments will be given to enhance
  learning between online sessions and may include watching videos and other assignments.
• Completion of homework assignments, including the development of an Advocacy Action Plan    

Monthly Educational Leadership Development Sessions & Topics

Apply to the 2020-2021 Partners in Policymaking Program

New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is committed to building a diverse group of participants that is reflective of the needs, geography, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds of New Jersey. The Partners program is now accepting applications from people with developmental disabilities and family members for the class of 2020-2021.

Download the application to learn more about the program and how to apply

Applications must be received by July 15, 2020. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 30, 2020.

Videos

Program Takeaways video featuring the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Class of 2017-2018

Program Takeaways video featuring the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Class of 2018-2019

Graduation Panel Presentation featuring the New Jersey Partners in Policymaking Class of 2019-2020

Project Director: Colleen McLaughlin

Project Staff: Jaime Zahid

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School