OCJA ACTION PLAN 2012 AGM

Be a Proactive Advocate with Increased InfluenceOCJA ACTION PLAN2012 AGM

2011-12 Accomplishments Continued to be represented at the following tables and associations:MCYS Youth Justice Advisory CouncilMCSCS Council on Adult Correctional IssuesOntario Alliance of Children and Youth AssociationsLetters were written and forwarded to the following Ministries:MCYS (regarding loss of Youth CSO program)MAG (in support of Youth Justice Committees)CSC (citing concerns of cutting funding for LifeLine program)OCJA received a response from all three letters, expanding our presence with 3 important Provincial and Federal MinistriesMCYS response led to the establishment of twice-yearly meetings with the Planning and Program Development Branch of YJSD, beginning April 2012.

Moving Forward: Discussion PointsCurrent Reality / LimitationsAdvocacy can mean many different things with resultant differing amounts of work and investmentVolunteer-based association (travel, time out of office)Large geographical area and large variety of programs offeredAgreement on what to advocate for : a decision-making and/or priority-setting mechanism (clients, agencies, programs)Examples of advocacy:promote/educate about OCJA; seek out, secure or meet with funders; act as advocacy resource clearinghouse for our members; letter campaigns and position papers; OTHERS??

Moving Forward: Discussion PointsExisting ExpertiseHow do we find and engage experts within OCJA?Knowledge of Ministry champions and how to access?Qualified to speak effectively on behalf of OCJA understanding of legislation, current events, trends, etc.Managing the message if multiple experts (develop a spokesperson policy)

Strategy PlanningUse of experts and interested in developing a strategy to improve the proactive advocacy work of the OCJA