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:

• 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 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

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

Robert Wood Johnson Medical School