Maytree Policy School

Overview

When the non-profit sector engages in shaping public policy, we end up with better decisions, better laws, and better programs. However it can be challenging for non-profit organizations to build the capacity to engage effectively in the public policy process.

Maytree Policy School supports organizations in the non-profit sector working to advance evidence-based public policy solutions.

It is designed for policy professionals who are in a position to influence the public policy direction of their organization.

Beginning in January 2020, the 6-month Toronto-based program will support 20-25 policy leaders to become more effectively engaged in the policy process by providing:

opportunities to learn from public policy leaders working in the non-profit sector, public service, think tanks, and politics;
an engaging, multi-disciplinary learning environment that introduces tools and provides opportunities to hone skills that will help them influence policy; and
supports which guide them through developing a policy strategy for their organization.

Participants will complete the program with a strategy on how their organization can more effectively influence public policy.

Maytree Policy School includes the following six in-person learning sessions:

January 13-15, 2020 – Opening retreat/Outlining policy fundamentals
February 13-14, 2020 – Understanding the policy process
March 12-13, 2020 – Informing and engaging stakeholders and decision makers
April 15-16, 2020 – Using research and evidence in policy
May 7-8, 2020 – Communicating your policy story
June 11-12, 2020 – Implementing your policy strategy

The January session is an overnight retreat.

Sessions from February to June will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Toronto.

Participating organizations will be required to pay a $500 registration fee.

Applications for Maytree Policy School 2020 are now closed.

Need more information?

Contact Tina Edan, Lead, Maytree Policy School
tedan[at]maytree.com

Participant testimonial

“Through the learning opportunities and practical experience provided through the Maytree Policy School, Raising the Roof has transformed from a passive to strategic player in the housing and homelessness public policy space.”

Elisa Traficante, Director of Community Initiatives, Raising the Roof (MPS ’19)

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Participant testimonial

“Maytree Policy School completely surpassed my expectations. It's a course anyone should take who strives to be a strategic influencer at any level of government and regardless of who's in power.”

Brian Davis, Executive Director, Houselink Community Homes (MPS ’19)

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Participant testimonial

"Maytree Policy School brought together a highly skilled and generous group of instructors. My organization has gained new tools and resources, and connections to fabulous peers and organizations."

Shelagh Pizey-Allen, Executive Director, TTCRiders (MPS ’19)

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Participant testimonial

“Maytree Policy School provided us with practical insights into the policy process and the tools we need to engage as policy leaders. We also walked away from the course with a clear plan for implementing what we had learned and new connections across the sector.”

Jamie Stuckless, Executive Director, Share the Road Cycling Coalition (MPS ’18)

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Participant testimonial

“Attending Maytree Policy School has helped me raise my game as a policy professional, helped refine my approach to my advocacy work, and created an impact across my organization as I share my learnings with colleagues across the country.”

Kat Clarke, Manager, Advocacy and Government Affairs, CNIB (MPS ’18)

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Participant testimonial

“Maytree Policy School was invaluable. It helped me systematize and move forward our policy work. The faculty were knowledgeable and engaging, and the other participants have now become a close network I can call on.”

Sasha McNicoll, Policy Manager, Community Food Centres Canada (MPS ’19)

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Participant testimonial

“Having the focused time along with the incredible depth of knowledge from the presenters and other participants made this program worth every minute. The shifts in our approach and development of a policy strategy will have long-term impact for our organization and our mission at Pillar.”

Michelle Baldwin, Executive Director, Pillar Nonprofit Network (MPS ’19)

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Participant testimonial

“Maytree Policy School brought together an expert faculty team who generously shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences. I really appreciated how each session was meticulously planned and specifically tailored for us in the non-profit sector.”

Tesfai Mengesha, Executive Director, Success Beyond Limits (MPS ’18)

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Participant testimonial

“Maytree Policy School helped us identify where we need to focus our energies to make the most of our limited resources in order to make a real impact in our policy work. It gave me access to what felt like “insider knowledge” and to so many incredible leaders with decades of experience in the policy world. I never would have been able to make those connections on my own.”
Katie German, Director of Programs, Foodshare (MPS ’18)

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