Projects & Targetd Issues

Project Updates - Public Policy and Advocacy - The Human Services Advocates Network (HSAN)

The Human Services Advocates Network (HSAN) is an informal alliance of Northeast Ohio health and social service leaders established to provide an on-going opportunity for education, information and advocacy, and professional development on leading human services public policy issues.

HSAN meets regularly and hears from elected officials and key administrative personnel. Past guests have included Governor Bob Taft, Congressman Sherrod Brown, State Senator C.J. Prentiss, State Representative Jim Trakas, Cuyahoga County Commissioners Peter Lawson Jones and Tim McCormack, Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell and Cleveland Municipal School District CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett.

Click here for a HSAN meeting schedule

In addition, The Center for Communty Solutions sponsors training sessions for HSAN members and others on the state and federal budget. The Ohio Budget Training Academy {link to 2.1.1.8] is held in the year preceding the adoption of Ohio’s biennial budget. This in depth training takes place in the state capital and includes presentations by key legislative, executive, advocacy, and media figures. To date over 50 non-profit advocates have taken part in the Ohio Budget Training Academy hosted by the Federation. In 2003, Community Solutions hosted a similar, three-day Federal Budget Training Academy in Washington, D.C.

Community Solutions works through HSAN to develop its state budget advocacy principles. These principles are then approved by Community Solutions Board of Trustees and guide the Federation’s Public Policy and Advocacy Team in their work for the following two years.

In 2003, Community Solutions reached out to health and human service advocates in other parts of Northeast Ohio. In Lorain County we are working with the Public Services Institute/Joint Center for Policy Research of Lorain County. In 2004, we will reach out to advocates in Summit County.

If you would like to be added to our HSAN mailing list in Cuyahoga, Lorain or Summit County please e-mail your contact information to jcorlett@CommunitySolutions.com.

For more information on related issues, see our list of Human Services-Related Websites [link to 2.1.2.2]