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• PUBLIC
POLICY & ADVOCACY •
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• dec@dec-sped.org • (406)
543-0872 •
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DEC Children's
Action Network (CAN)
What is the purpose of DEC CAN?
The
purpose of the DEC Children Action Network (CAN) is:To
effect the necessary governmental changes at the local,
state, province, and federal levels that will
make possible the implementation of DEC policies related to the education
of young exceptional children; and to further vitalize
DEC subdivisions by providing
meaningful opportunities for membership involvement in public policy at all
levels.
What is the structure of the network?
CAN is a communication network that is composed of individual subdivision CAN
coordinators who have been selected by their respective subdivisions. These individuals
are willing and committed to effecting necessary governmental change at al levels.
They do this by developing and maintaining a system for communicating and sharing
information with DEC members in their respective states and with DEC Governance.
Depending on the particular state, coordinators may develop a system of regional
coordinators.
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How are CAN coordinators chosen?
CAN coordinators are selected by their respective subdivision. The position of
CAN coordinator is a sensitive and visible post and the selection of the coordinator
should be approached with care. Some of the factors to consider in appointing
a coordinator include:
- A commitment to the policies of DEC and CEC.
- A willingness to devote the time (varies by state) to carry out all the
responsibilities of this position.
- The freedom
to speak for and represent DEC and CEC to policymakers and the public. · Access
to computer, email, telephone, fax machine, duplication, and other communication
devices.
- A willingness to serve a minimum of two years in this capacity.
What are some of the responsibilities of CAN Coordinators?
Developing and operating an effective children active network in their state
or province.
- Triggering the network, whenever necessary, to achieve political action
objectives at all levels of government.
- Providing information to DEC Governance and the CEC Department of Public
Policy (DPP) on significant activities within a state or province that may
require assistance from them, constitute significant policy advances or retreats,
or be of interest to other DEC subdivisions or CEC divisions.
- Advising DEC Governance and CEC DPP of any issue or crisis that may have
national implications.
- Providing DEC Governance and CEC DPP with copies of significant public
statements and media articles.
- Reporting to DEC Governance and CEC DPP contacts with federal officials
(e.g. members of the US Congress and Executive Branch officials) on significant
policy issues.
- Informing DEC Governance and CEC DPP of invitations extended to members
of the federal legislative or executive branches of government to participate
in subdivision meetings or activities.
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How long should a CAN coordinator serve?
It is recommended that CAN coordinators serve at least two years; however, coordinators
are encouraged to commit themselves for longer periods if at all possible.What
does it take to have a Healthy Children Action Network?
The key ingredients for a healthy DEC CAN network are:
- A CAN coordinator who
is a "veteran" subdivision leader (at least
3 years of service).
- A CAN coordinator or other subdivision officer who lives in the capital
area.
- A CAN coordinator and subdivision officers who are both workers and talkers.
- Additional "regional" CAN
coordinators in larger states or provinces.
- Tools (e.g., group email lists, telephone trees) for disseminating Legislative
Alerts and Updates to subdivision members.
- Mechanisms for following national, state, and local public policy activities
and issues.
- Methods for requesting action from subdivision members to influence state,
provincial, or national decision-makers.
- Email capacity and an up-to-date address list of subdivision members willing
to act quickly.
- Internet capacity and
a "bookmark" for CEC
Public Policy and Advocacy Web Pages and the Legislative Action Center
- Members who subscribe to the DEC Governmental Relations email list
- A copy of
the CEC Political Advocacy Handbook and the Handbook for Strengthening
Grassroots Advocacy.
- Regular political action and advocacy training.
- A means for providing input to DEC Governance and the CEC Pubic Policy
Unit regarding public policy issues.
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How can subdivision officers support political activity in their state?
In order to sustain
a strong ongoing public policy program, it is important that this activity
be a part of a subdivisions overall plan. It may also be helpful
to develop a public policy agenda that identifies the advocacy activities and
issues to be pursued over a one- or two-year period. To accomplish the objectives
of a subdivision's public policy agenda, it is equally important to have an
annual budget that supports activities such as mailings, travel, training,
and fees
associated with memberships in statewide coalitions or consortiums. Other activities
that can heighten the visibility of the work that DEC and CEC are doing in
the area of early childhood and special education policy include:
Submitting articles on activities and policy accomplishments to suitable state
and local publications and Hosting sessions or presentations on early childhood
and special education policy at appropriate state and local conferences.Who should
be notified when a CAN coordinator change is made?
Please contact DEC Executive Office by telephone 406-543-0872, fax 406-543-0887,
or email dec@dec-sped.org. Provide DEC
with the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the new CAN coordinator.What
are some of the responsibilities of DEC Governance and CEC DPP?
DEC Governance and CEC DPP will:
- Provide CAN with relevant information from federal and state or provincial
levels of government.
- Apprise CAN of all major relevant actions by the federal government.
- Alert the Network or any segment of CAN to situations requiring political
action.
- Maintain regular communication with all coordinators.
- Make training available to CAN coordinators.
- Give priority to the Network in terms of problem solving and assistance
with Network activities.
- Provide technical assistance at the request of a CAN coordinator.
- Coordinate with CAN coordinators' requests from other groups for CEC's
participation in government-related activities in their state or province.
- Monitor and improve the operation of the Network.
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Are there resources available to help CAN coordinators effectively advocate
for early childhood and special education issues?
CEC has two publications
that you may find helpful. You can order them directly from CEC at http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog2/law.html.
CEC Handbook for Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy
Jaclyn A. Bootel
This easy-to-use handbook will show you how, by illuminating what motivates
policymakers, what catches their attention, and what makes them respond.
It demystifies policymaking and helps you organize and prepare for framing
key issues and packaging information. 1999, 104 pages. ISBN 0-86586-341-1.
#R5087R $18.95/CEC Members $13.50
Political Advocacy Handbook
Jaclyn A. Bootel and Cynthia L. Warger
Designed to assist special education advocates develop the capacity within
their local divisions, chapters, and federations to mount an advocacy campaign.
The handbook is organized as a facilitator's guide to use with special educators
and other concerned individuals in learning enough about advocacy to be effective
in influencing policymakers. 1997, 193 pages. ISBN 0-86586-291-5. #R5193
$85.70/CEC Members $60.00
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