East Coast Public Policy Training Institute
United Way Halifax, NSCC and the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute are excited to launch the first-ever East Coast Public Policy Training Institute.
March 30th and 31st Session #1: Welcome and Introduction to Public Policy
April 27th and 28th Session #2: Research and Evidence Generation in Public Policy
May 25th and 26th Session #3: Analyzing, Developing, and Choosing Policy Options
June 29th and 30th Session #4: Engaging Decision Makers
Summer Break
September 28th and 29th Session #5: Implementation Alternatives
October 26th and 27th Session #6: Final Session
This program is intended to be low-barrier for participants, but there is a small cost of $750 per participant. Upon completion of the program, 50 per cent of the cost will be returned. Meals and transportation costs will be covered by the program.
Do you still have questions? Read our FAQ.
What is public policy?
Public policy refers to official decisions that guide the activities of organizations operating in the public interest. Such organizations include governments and non-profit organizations at the local, municipal, regional, provincial, and national levels. For example, public policy decisions can be expressed as legislation, resolutions, regulations, by-laws, appropriations, court decisions, etc. Public policy refers to more than just decisions. It also includes the programs and administrative practices undertaken by organizations operating in the public interest.
What is the East Coast Public Policy Training Institute?
The East Coast Public Policy Training Institute (PPTI) is a partnership between United Way Halifax, NSCC and the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute. It will bring together 25-30 leaders from across the social sector. These organizations aim to impact and influence public policy locally, provincially, and nationally. The PPTI students will represent social sector organizations from across Atlantic Canada that address a wide variety of social issues and want to influence public policy in their own communities. Once a month for six months, they will come together. They’ll learn strategies from highly skilled professionals and experts, workshop ideas with their peers, and participate in mentoring. At the end of the six months, they’ll be ready to start putting what they’ve learned into action – from presenting policy ideas, all the way to policy implementation.
Who is eligible?
Eligible participants should work for a nonprofit organization, have a policy idea they want to workshop, and be committed to taking that idea back to their community. PPTI is intended to support people who are new to public policy and advocacy. They’ll learn how to speak publicly, understand the different orders and functions of government, build strategies to co-create policy and bridge the gap between the sector and policy makers.
PPTI also has an equity, diversity and inclusion lens. This lens is part of the curriculum but is also intended to ensure equitable access to the program. There is a small cost to attend. However, travel, accommodations and dining expenses are covered through the program to help remove barriers to access.
Who are the faculty?
We are proud that PPTI has enlisted talented and experienced faculty to lead this first six-month session:
Sharon Davis-Murdoch, Co-Lead – Sharon is a social justice champion. She retired from the provincial public service in 2015 and has won many awards for her work. She has been dedicated to health equity for racialized communities in Nova Scotia and was named to the Order of Canada for that work in 2021. Sharon serves as Co-Manager to the Association of Black Social Workers and Health Association of African Canadians, COVID-19 Response and Impact Team.
Lynn Hartwell, Co-Lead – Lynn has had a 20-year career in the provincial public service, holding leadership positions in Court Services, Labour and Advanced Education and Community Services. In 2019 she joined NSCC where she holds the position of Vice President, Campuses and Communities.
Rosalind Penfound – Rosalind has a held an accomplished career in the public service, serving as deputy minister for several departments. Upon retirement from the Public Service she served as Vice President, Academic and Vice President, Organizational Development with the Nova Scotia Community College.
Tracey Jones Grant – The daughter of Joan and Burnley “Rocky” Jones, Tracey grew up at the height of the efforts to define Black identity and fight for civil rights. Tracey has worked in the area of diversity, most recently as the Managing Director, for the Halifax Regional Municipality in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion/African Nova Scotian Affairs.
