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DEC Children's Action Network (CAN) How It Works

What is the purpose of DEC CAN?

The purpose of the DEC Children Action Network (CAN) is:

To effect the necessary governmental changes at the local, state, province, and federal levels that will make possible the implementation of DEC policies related to the education of young exceptional children; and
To further vitalize DEC subdivisions by providing meaningful opportunities for membership involvement in public policy at all levels.
What is the structure of the network?

CAN is a communication network that is composed of individual subdivision CAN coordinators who have been selected by their respective subdivisions. These individuals are willing and committed to effecting necessary governmental change at al levels. They do this by developing and maintaining a system for communicating and sharing information with DEC members in their respective states and with DEC Governance. Depending on the particular state, coordinators may develop a system of regional coordinators.

How are CAN coordinators chosen?

CAN coordinators are selected by their respective subdivision. The position of CAN coordinator is a sensitive and visible post and the selection of the coordinator should be approached with care. Some of the factors to consider in appointing a coordinator include:

A commitment to the policies of DEC and CEC.
A willingness to devote the time (varies by state) to carry out all the responsibilities of this position.
The freedom to speak for and represent DEC and CEC to policymakers and the public. · Access to computer, email, telephone, fax machine, duplication, and other communication devices.
A willingness to serve a minimum of two years in this capacity.
What are some of the responsibilities of CAN Coordinators?

Developing and operating an effective children active network in their state or province.
Triggering the network, whenever necessary, to achieve political action objectives at all levels of government.
Providing information to DEC Governance and the CEC Department of Public Policy (DPP) on significant activities within a state or province that may require assistance from them, constitute significant policy advances or retreats, or be of interest to other DEC subdivisions or CEC divisions.
Advising DEC Governance and CEC DPP of any issue or crisis that may have national implications.
Providing DEC Governance and CEC DPP with copies of significant public statements and media articles.
Reporting to DEC Governance and CEC DPP contacts with federal officials (e.g. members of the US Congress and Executive Branch officials) on significant policy issues.
Informing DEC Governance and CEC DPP of invitations extended to members of the federal legislative or executive branches of government to participate in subdivision meetings or activities.
How long should a CAN coordinator serve?

It is recommended that CAN coordinators serve at least two years; however, coordinators are encouraged to commit themselves for longer periods if at all possible.

What does it take to have a Healthy Children Action Network?

The key ingredients for a healthy DEC CAN network are:

A CAN coordinator who is a "veteran" subdivision leader (at least 3 years of service).
A CAN coordinator or other subdivision officer who lives in the capital area.
A CAN coordinator and subdivision officers who are both workers and talkers.
Additional "regional" CAN coordinators in larger states or provinces.
Tools (e.g., group email lists, telephone trees) for disseminating Legislative Alerts and Updates to subdivision members.
Mechanisms for following national, state, and local public policy activities and issues.
Methods for requesting action from subdivision members to influence state, provincial, or national decision-makers.
Email capacity and an up-to-date address list of subdivision members willing to act quickly.
Internet capacity and a "bookmark" for CEC Public Policy and Advocacy Web Pages and the Legislative Action Center
Members who subscribe to the DEC Governmental Relations email list (send an email request to dsh5gn@virginia.edu)
A copy of the CEC Political Advocacy Handbook and the Handbook for Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy.
Regular political action and advocacy training.
A means for providing input to DEC Governance and the CEC Pubic Policy Unit regarding public policy issues.
How can subdivision officers support political activity in their state?

In order to sustain a strong ongoing public policy program, it is important that this activity be a part of a subdivisions overall plan. It may also be helpful to develop a public policy agenda that identifies the advocacy activities and issues to be pursued over a one- or two-year period. To accomplish the objectives of a subdivision's public policy agenda, it is equally important to have an annual budget that supports activities such as mailings, travel, training, and fees associated with memberships in statewide coalitions or consortiums.

Other activities that can heighten the visibility of the work that DEC and CEC are doing in the area of early childhood and special education policy include:

Submitting articles on activities and policy accomplishments to suitable state and local publications and Hosting sessions or presentations on early childhood and special education policy at appropriate state and local conferences.

Who should be notified when a CAN coordinator change is made?

Please contact DEC Executive Office by telephone 406-243-5898, fax 406-243-4730, or email dec@dec-sped.org and the Dec Governmental Relations Chair, Diana J. LaRocco at dlarocco@hartford.edu. Provide them both with the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the new CAN coordinator.

What are some of the responsibilities of DEC Governance and CEC DPP?

DEC Governance and CEC DPP will:

Provide CAN with relevant information from federal and state or provincial levels of government.
Apprise CAN of all major relevant actions by the federal government.
Alert the Network or any segment of CAN to situations requiring political action.
Maintain regular communication with all coordinators.
Make training available to CAN coordinators.
Give priority to the Network in terms of problem solving and assistance with Network activities.
Provide technical assistance at the request of a CAN coordinator.
Coordinate with CAN coordinators' requests from other groups for CEC's participation in government-related activities in their state or province.
Monitor and improve the operation of the Network.
Are there resources available to help CAN coordinators effectively advocate for early childhood and special education issues?

CEC has two publications that you may find helpful. You can order them directly from CEC at http://www.cec.sped.org/bk/catalog2/law.html.

CEC Handbook for Strengthening Grassroots Advocacy
Jaclyn A. Bootel

This easy-to-use handbook will show you how, by illuminating what motivates policymakers, what catches their attention, and what makes them respond. It demystifies policymaking and helps you organize and prepare for framing key issues and packaging information. 1999, 104 pages. ISBN 0-86586-341-1. #R5087R $18.95/CEC Members $13.50

Political Advocacy Handbook
Jaclyn A. Bootel and Cynthia L. Warger

Designed to assist special education advocates develop the capacity within their local divisions, chapters, and federations to mount an advocacy campaign. The handbook is organized as a facilitator's guide to use with special educators and other concerned individuals in learning enough about advocacy to be effective in influencing policymakers. 1997, 193 pages. ISBN 0-86586-291-5. #R5193 $85.70/CEC Members $60.00

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Public Policy and Advocacy Web Pages and the Legislative Action Center