Presented by Robin Kennedy, Director of Agency Relations,

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United for CHOICE!
Presented by Robin Kennedy, Director of Agency
Relations,
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It all starts with an inspiring GOAL

• To advance advocacy and outreach
• Engage our stakeholders - persons with
  disabilities, family members and community
  members.
• Establish a sustainable structure with a purpose.

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Our Assets

• Invested stakeholders consumer council, well
  developed communication practices from agency,
  engaged community.
• Strong and knowledgeable state association
  RFW In Action, Wisconsin
• Organizational commitment from agency Board of
  Directors and President for investment of staff,
  budget allocation and time for development and
  ongoing implementation.

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Our Challenges

• Lack of structure many invested people how to
  bring them together?
• Difficult to sustain one time initiatives very
  successful, but always a challenge to keep it
  going.
• Many voices, no consistent message for all very
  committed people, but lacking a consistent
  message.

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Our Needs

• Create a structure that is organized, purposeful
  and sustaining.
• Engage our invested stake holders.
• Implement at a state level and national level.

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The PLAN

• Objective 1 Create the structure
• 1. Define a mission that is uniting
• 2. Provide options for involvement the 3 As
• 3. Establish a model, agendas, process
• Objective 2 Engage Stakeholders
• 1. Review internal and external stakeholders
• 2. Consider individual interest level and
  history of involvement
• 3. Invite to orientation meeting
• Objective 3 Implement the plan
• 1. Establish local Team guidelines/schedule/agen
  das/minutes
• 2. Follow through recognize successes
• 3. Expand throughout the state

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The Result A TEAM!

• MISSION To ignite the passion and energy of
  persons with disabilities and their families.
• to advocate in a grassroots efforts
• create awareness in the community
• advise those who care for our citizens with
  special needs to ensure service choices are
  protected and sustained.

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What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As

• ADVOCACY
• Organize efforts to promote the rights of
  individuals with disabilities.
• Legislative meetings/communications
• Visit the Capitol
• Action Alerts
• Petition drives

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What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As

• AWARENESS

• Promote the accomplishments and everyday
  challenges overcome by persons with disabilities
  and their family members to ensure their
  authentic stories are shared throughout the
  community.
• Social Media
• Video Testimonials
• Radio Promotion

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What makes an A TEAM? The 3 As

• ADVISEMENT

• Provide peer support and organizational feedback
  to meet the current and future needs of persons
  with disabilities.
• Establish a Grassroots Advocacy Website
• Network, fellowship, community involvement
• Team meetings, state association events, forums

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A TEAM Wisconsin!

• 9 Chapters (14 Rehab Organizations
  collaborating)
• Committed to A TEAM Guidelines - one voice!
• State wide Network social media, conference
  calls, and annual events

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Our A TEAM Success Wisconsin

• 3 DAY at the CAPITOL events over 75 legislative
  visits welcome presentations 2014 and 2015 from
  Lt. Governor of Wisconsin
• State Petition Campaigns over 6000 signatures
• Established My Work. My Choice. Campaign engaged
  self-advocates to promote their choices for work,
  home and life in a positive and simple way.
  Theme song.
• State wide Grassroots event over 400 united.
  National advocate Evelyne Villines.
• Federal legislator letter writing campaign/post
  card campaign over 3000.
• Voice your Choice Tour 11 stops, over 700
  rallied, nearly 3000 voices to DHS. Over the road
  public relations with A TEAM Mobile Unit.
• MacIver Institute Promotion and Partnership
• Over 50 Legislative Tours across the state My
  Work. My Choice.
• Big Win!!! Wisconsin DHS commitment to protecting
  a full array of choices in the state official
  letter to Center for Medicaid Services.
• http//ateamwisconsin.org

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A TEAM Success Next Steps

• National expansion A TEAM Nevada!
• Excitement growing around the country model
  fits within non-profit structure, ensures
  sustainability
• Tool Kit/Webinar to be released this year
• Pursuit for financial support foundation/other
• Building partnership Source America/ACCSES

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Thank you!
For more information on the A TEAM , please
join us at the Continental Breakfast 830 AM
915 AM Tuesday, January 13th 2015
www.ateamwisconsin.org

• Alone we can do so little together we can do
  so much.
• -Helen Keller