1. SCI Summer Workshop Communications: Engaging Stakeholders
Susan T. Sherry
Community Catalyst
July 31, 2008

2. Community Catalyst, Inc. 30 Winter Street, 10th Fl. Boston, MA 02108
Fax:
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 Organizations seeking to distribute or otherwise make widespread use of this publication are asked to notify Community Catalyst.
Community Catalyst / 2008

3. In other words, politics is the process that produces policy.
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
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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,
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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,
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
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
NGA Fiscal Survey of States, Nov 2002
Community Catalyst / 2008