SCI Summer Workshop Communications: Engaging Stakeholders

1. SCI Summer WorkshopCommunications: EngagingStakeholders Susan T. Sherry Community Catalyst July 31, 2008

2. Community Catalyst, Inc. 30 Winter Street, 10th Fl. Boston, MA 02108 617-338-6035 Fax: 617-451-5838 www.communitycatalyst.org Community Catalyst is a national nonprofit advocacy organization working to build a health justice movement. We are innovators who look for breakthrough opportunities to improve health care for all Americans. We develop new approaches to strengthen the voices of consumers and communities, organize vulnerable constituencies, and build the kinds of organizations and coalitions that can advocate effectively for health care reforms. Community Catalyst staff members are experts in health policy, organizational development, community organizing, law, communications, and strategic planning. They provide advice, information, and tools that help communities, consumer groups, providers, foundations and policymakers work together to lead health system change. Electronic copies of this presentation are available by calling 617-275-2892. Organizations seeking to distribute or otherwise make widespread use of this publication are asked to notify Community Catalyst. Community Catalyst / 2008

3. Politics is the negotiating process by which a civil society decides who gets what, when, and how. In other words, politics is the process that produces policy. Community Catalyst / 2008

4. Kingdon’s Open Window Model • PROBLEM STREAM • Recognition that there is problem that demands attention • Focusing event, systemic indicator, feedback Community Catalyst / 2008

5. Kingdon’s Open Window Model • POLICY STREAM • Policy alternatives (short list) – needs to be available • “Softening up” period in policy community and public = persuasion • Technically feasible, fits values, anticipates constraints Community Catalyst / 2008

6. Kingdon’s Open Window Model • POLITICAL STREAM • Favorable political climate for solution – general public and the active sectors • Balance of organized political forces • Government participants • Bargaining Community Catalyst / 2008

7. Political Stream - Stakeholder Coalitions • Develop diverse coalition including decision-making process/ground rules • Assure regular communication – inside/outside • Manage shifting interests and build trust Community Catalyst / 2008

8. Community Catalyst / 2008

9. Political Champions – Opening the Window HERO OPPORTUNITY A compelling problem or crisis that provides policymakers with public occasions to propose and champion a solution that brings a measurable difference in the lives of a critical mass of constituents. From: Real Clout, www.realclout.org Community Catalyst / 2008

10. Making and Supporting Political Champions • Different decisions when watched by • the affected constituency -- looking for hero opportunities • Get the right information to the right person at the right time – provide hero opportunities • In making policy decisions weight of opinion is equal to fact – provide hero opportunities • From: Real Clout, www.realclout.org Community Catalyst / 2008

11. Generic Policy Making Process • Recognition of problem • Analysis of options for action • Choice of effective and affordable solution • Action and implementation • And the cycle continues… keep stakeholders and build heroes Community Catalyst / 2008