New Jersey Partners in Policymaking
2022-2023 Hybrid Program Now Accepting Applications
Deadline: June 30, 2022

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 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 Boggs Center 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 COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring some uncertainty. The 2022-2023 Partners in Policymaking sessions are currently scheduled to take place using a hybrid model which combines in-person and virtual learning. A fully virtual option for those that are immunocompromised or have an immunocompromised family member that prevents in-person participation will be made available.
Through participation in in-person and virtual 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:
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Advocate for opportunities and supports that promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all aspects of community life
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Be members of advisory boards and committees
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Work alongside policymakers and state agencies
Requirements of Participation
- Participation in all educational leadership development sessions held in New Brunswick, NJ and virtually.
• In-Person sessions will be held one weekend a month in September, November, February, and April (Friday 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm)
• Virtual sessions will be held one weekend a month in October, December, January, and March (Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am –1:00 pm) and one Wednesday a month from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm from September through April.
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
September 16 & 17 (In-Person)
- Parent Advocacy
- Self-Advocacy
- Social Media as an Advocacy Tool
Wednesday, September 28 (Virtual)
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January 13 & 14 (Virtual)
- Federal Hot Topics and Tips from the Hill
- Direct Support Professional Workforce
Wednesday, January 25 (Virtual) |
October 14 & 15 (Virtual)
- The LifeCourse Framework and Planning
- History of Disability Policy and Today's Impact
Wednesday, October 26 (Virtual) |
February 17 & 18 (In-Person)
- Supported Decision Making
- Public Speaking and Effective Communication
Wednesday, March 1 (Virtual) |
November 4 & 5 (In-Person)
- Medicaid; Health & Wellness
- Inclusive Education
Wednesday, November 30 (Virtual) |
March 24 & 25 (Virtual)
- State Policy and Systems Change Advocacy
- Advocacy in Action
Wednesday, April 12 (Virtual) |
December 9 & 10 (Virtual)
No Wednesday Session |
April 21 & 22 (In-Person)
- Building Social Capital and Community Connections
- Graduation
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Apply to the 2022-2023 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. Individuals from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTQ+ are encouraged to apply. The Partners program is now accepting applications from people with developmental disabilities and family members for the class of 2022-2023.
Download the application to learn more about the program and apply
Applications must be received by June 30, 2022. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 31, 2022.
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
Graduation Panel Presentation featuring the New Jersey
Partners in Policymaking Class of 2020-2021
Project Director: Colleen McLaughlin
Project Staff: Jaime Zahid
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