PRESENTS

The California Collaborative: A Model for Impacting Statewide LTSS Policy

A Presentation for the

Colorado Aging and Disability Summit

November 14, 2012

Jack Hailey
Government Action and Communication Institute and

Laurel Mildred
Mildred Consulting and Advocacy

Who We Are
A Collaborative of 40 statewide aging, disability, labor, and provider organizations dedicated to advancing long term services and supports in California.

Mission Statement
The California Collaborative advocates for the dignity, health and independence of Californians regardless of age who experience disabilities, functional limitations or chronic conditions and who use long-term services and supports.

Mission Statement, Cont.

California needs a system of high-quality, costeffective long-term services and supports that strengthen the person, his or her family, caregivers, circles of support, and the community at large.

Mission Statement, Cont.

That system must promote the person's wellbeing and social participation, promote economic independence, prevent impoverishment and remove barriers to employment. The Collaborative will use several strategies, including public education and awareness, to further its mission.

Principles Bind Us Together

Dignity Choice Flexibility Quality Legality

Cultural Competence Accessibility Affordability Inclusive Independence

How We Define Long Term Services and Supports

LTSS refer to a wide range of personal, medical and social/financial assistance needed by persons with functional limitations over an extended time. The services may be publicly or privately financed, delivered in a wide range of settings, and may change as the needs of the individual who uses the services change.

How We Started
Before convening, held individual conversations to hear peoples goals, priorities and concerns We had some difficult early meetings. Its okay to have some hard meetings - perseverance counts! We continually adjusted approaches in response to feedback Deferred decisions when we couldnt agree

Infrastructure
Staffing Google Listserv Accessibility Strategic use of smaller groups as needed to develop work

Organizational Decisions
Purpose Advocacy? Focus Why come weekly? Membership Principles matter Consumers? Technology helps CEOs only? Do you need staff? State agencies? If so, what about $$

What Weve Accomplished So Far

Cohesiveness and strong relationships among members Significant increase in policy capacity of many members Regular interaction with high state and legislative officials

More Accomplishments
Recognition as authoritative and unified voice for LTSS in state Facilitated access to federal officials 3 statewide conferences Developed ability to go free-range or speak with unified voice, depending on circumstances

Related Projects
California Collaborative focuses on statewide LTSS policy Regional Coalitions empower local advocates, leaders with state policy information & brings local input to the collaborative AGEnts for Change - grassroots advocacy effort focused on improving the quality of life for older adults

Were on Facebook! Website: http://www.gacinstitute.org/ccltss.php Jack Hailey Email Jack@gacinstitute.org