"Making Your Case."

Dear Colleague:

Tremendous work is being done throughout the country regarding people with
disabilities. For all you do, thank you!

And whether you're working with boards, policymakers, individuals, agencies,
funders or other stakeholders, there is always a need to clearly convey the
Who, What, When, Where, and (especially) Why of your activities.

Because this need is so widespread and so integral to accomplishing goals, we
are pleased to announce a free, Internet-based learning program called
"Making Your Case."

There is no cost for this interactive, self-paced learning program. It takes
about three hours to complete, and is available 24 hours per day, seven days a
week.

"Making Your Case" was developed after many years of research on effective
advocacy methods at the local, state and federal levels, and incorporates the
best that "e-learning" tools have to offer.

By taking part in this free learning program, participants will be better
able to:
· Effectively "tell their story" to policymakers;
· Identify which policymakers would be most helpful in bringing about
positive change;
· Write effective letters and emails;
· Conduct productive meetings with policymakers;
· Give effective testimony and answers to questions; and
· Organize with others to address important issues.


"Making Your Case" has been designed for use by people with disabilities,
family members, and concerned citizens. The program can be accessed any time by
going to http://www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/makingyourcase

We urge all interested parties to take advantage of this free resource. We
would greatly appreciate your mentioning this opportunity in your next
newsletter, listserv or other communications with those you serve, and
forwarding this
message to anyone who might be interested.

Please contact the Minnesota Council on Developmental Disabilities for
further information or to make comments regarding the web site. And, let us know
by
return email (MinnesotaDDCouncil@... ) if you prefer to not receive future
announcements.

Thanks again for your consideration of this ongoing project.

Sincerely, Colleen Wieck, Executive Director, Minnesota Governor's Council on
Developmental Disabilities


Sandy, Illinois (alpy2@...)
Volunteer Co-Webmaster, Our Children Left Behind
(http://www.ourchildrenleftbehind.com)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]