Establishing a Policy Framework

This seminar will focus on two topics. The first is designed to advance the development of the EPFP learning teams, and the second will explore a set of concepts and strategies for creating a policy framework. Fellows will explore both the practical and theoretical aspects of how public policy is developed and implemented. Several policy issues of current concern to Michigan citizens will also be examined.

Session A: Establishing Learning Teams

Resource Persons: Coordinators and Fellows

During the 2002-03 program year the Michigan Fellows will participate on one or more Learning Teams and gain experience working in a virtual learning community. The Learning Teams will be responsible for planning a series of future EPFP sessions on a set of topics which have been identified by this year's participants. During this session the Fellows will review and refine the set of proposed topics identified to date, establish diverse cross boundary teams, and develop strategies for effective team participation. Additional Learning Team Information has been posted at http://www.educ.msu.edu/epfp/c_linfo.htm

Session B Resource Person: Mayor David Hollister, City of Lansing

Following a teaching career which began in 1965 and after six years of public service as a county commissioner, David Hollister was elected to the position of State Representative from Lansing's 57th District (now the 69th District) in 1974 and served until December 1993. He was elected Mayor of Lansing in November of 1993, and was re-elected to a second four-year term which began on January 1, 1998. In November, 2001, Mayor Hollister was elected to a third term of office.

As a State Legislator, Mr. Hollister served as a member of the House Appropriations Committee where he co-chaired the Subcommittees on Social Services and Mental Health. In addition, he served on the Appropriation Subcommittees of Public Health, School Aid/Department of Education, and Transportation. Mr. Hollister also was a member of the Task Force for Investment Budgeting and Michigan's Future, and chaired the Job Academy Subcommittee of this Task Force.

In his legislative role, Mr. Hollister was active in working on public health issues concerning indigent health care, AIDS, long-term care, certificate-of-need and cost containment for hospitals and nursing homes, organ transplantation, toxic waste, infant mortality, substance abuse, domestic violence, emergency shelter and food. In the area of social services, Mr. Hollister played a key role in the Michigan Legislature on issues such as child care, homelessness, energy assistance and weatherization programs for low income and public assistance recipients, and employment and training programs for welfare recipients. In the area of mental health, he was a leader and advocate in the shift from institutional to community care.

Mayor Hollister has been invited to speak to the Michigan EPFP Fellows for the past 16 years and is consistently rated as one of our most popular and important policy resources. He was awarded the Institute for Educational Leadership's National Leadership Award at the 2000 Michigan EPFP Alumni Seminar.

Fellows should refer to the Michigan EPFP 'Links and Publications' page to review Mayor Hollister's WebBook, "On Organizing" for additional resource material.