Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United Way Public Policy Institute? The United Way Public Policy Institute is a leadership training program for the non-profit sector offered by United Way of the Lower Mainland. It is modeled on successful training institutes provided by the Maytree Foundation in Ontario and the Max Bell Foundation in Alberta. It is characterized by innovative, small group training, case studies and ongoing applied learning through the participants own policy projects. This six-month training program is specifically designed to help non-profit leaders and their organizations increase their knowledge of the public policy process and their capacity to influence it.

Why is United Way of the Lower Mainland offering this program? United Way of the Lower Mainland is committed to investing in policy development and supporting the capacity of the non-profit sector to advance social change that leads to healthy, caring and inclusive communities. The Public Policy Institute has been very successful for all cohorts who have graduated since 2011. It remains an important part of our commitment to build stronger communities through non-profit engagement, influence, knowledge, research, training and collaboration.

Who is involved as faculty? One of the great assets of this training program is the opportunity to learn from and have access to a very dedicated faculty team that brings a wealth of real-life public policy experience to this program. The Honourable Mike Harcourt, former premier of , is returning as Lead Faculty. The faculty team also includes Jim Rutkowski, Dana Hayden, Liz Whynot, and Ruth Wittenberg who each bring unique perspectives on public policy from their high-level public and private sector experience.

Who should apply? Organizations applying should be from the non-profit sector, active in social or health-related services and interested in affecting public policy change in those areas. Organizations from all regions of British Columbia are encouraged to apply. Ideal participants will have a senior role within their organization or be well-positioned to help advance the public policy and advocacy work of their organization and well-supported in that role. A list of participating organizations & policy areas targeted from previous years is posted at: https://www.uwlm.ca/agencies/public-policy-institute/

What will the curriculum cover? The curriculum is divided into two-day modules delivered once a month over a period of six months, covering: 1) an introduction to public policy 2) the roles of research and evidence in the public policy process 3) developing and analyzing policy options 4) engaging decision makers and other stakeholders 5) implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and 6) final presentations by participants.

In addition to the curriculum, case studies, as well as engagement with faculty, guest presenters and fellow participants will help enhance learning opportunities.

United Way of the Lower Mainland, 4543 Way, BC, V5G 4T4, (604) 294-8929 Page 1 of 2 Frequently Asked Questions

How will it work? When applying, organizations will be asked to outline a Public Policy Project they wish to advance with the help of this program. This policy project outline will need to include a brief description of the desired public policy change and the organization’s planned leadership role related to reaching this desired public policy change. Work on these policy projects throughout the six modules of the program is a key part of our applied learning approach. Participants will also be expected to devote time on their policy project outside of the classroom through both structured assignments and the real-time needs emerging from the project itself.

Participants will get multiple opportunities throughout the six months to test their critical thinking, analysis, and strategy recommendations. The program will culminate with each participant doing a final presentation in front of faculty and peers.

Attendance at all sessions and completion of all related work is crucial and organizations applying will be asked to sign a “Letter of Commitment” to this regard. We expect participants to learn from each other and discover possible allies for their organization’s public policy work. A United Way certificate will be awarded to all participants who successfully complete the program requirements.

When will the Institute be offered next? The next Public Policy Institute will run from January to June 2021. Monthly two-day sessions will be held on a Thursday and Friday each month. During the pandemic, the sessions are offered via Zoom Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. If we are able to for our final session, this format would change to the Thursday will consist of an afternoon and evening session and the program will run all day on the Fridays.

Where will the courses be provided? Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, all sessions with be offered online via Zoom, with the hopes of the Public Health Officers orders allowing for a final session in person gathering. The in person gathering would take place in , BC and travel and other expenses are subsidized by the United Way Lower Mainland.

How much does it cost to attend if accepted? Each admitted organization will be required to pay a $350 registration fee for their participant.

How can our organization apply? The link to our online application form can be found at: https://www.uwlm.ca/agencies/public-policy-institute/

When is the application deadline? The application process for the 2021 program closes on October 30, 2020. However, we only have space for 25 participating organizations, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

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