The Priorities-building process begins in June with the Spring Brainstorming Workgroups. Partners gather in four issue-area workgroups (Health and Wellness, Child Safety and Protection, Education, and Family Economic Security) to review the legislative session and issues on the horizon- whether relating to retained bills, legislative “corrections,” or entirely fresh initiatives. The Spring Workgroups give partners the opportunity to hear from other members of the community, to target opportunities for collaboration, to gather feedback on initiatives, and to begin to develop potential action step proposals. Beginning in 2007, the issue-area workgroups took place concurrently, followed by reporting out to the larger group.

During the summer, partners work independently or in coalition to develop Action Step Proposals, and the CAN Coordinator works with potential action step leaders to develop the proposal, and to help form the strategy, coalition, and leadership. The NH CAN Steering Committee reviews each proposal in September and provides comments designed to make the proposal as strong as possible.

At the Fall Workgroups, the issue-area workgroups gather again to review the proposals in September or October. Each action step proposal is presented (5-10 minutes) followed by a question-and-answer period (10 minutes). Questions may relate to whether the issue is ripe for change, is relevant to CAN’s principles, and has appropriate leadership and strategy. All present partners vote on the proposals, and the top two or three vote getters will go on to become part of the Priorities (for more, review the voting process and criteria).

NH CAN partners and advisors gather at the Annual Children’s Summit in October or November (depending on the legislative and election calendar) for training, resource sharing, and networking. Action step leaders present the final action steps and take questions from the audience, followed by a keynote speaker, lunch, and usually two breakout trainings in the afternoon. Partners may also host a resource table. After action step presentations, partners vote on the lead action step in each issue area.

The Priorities for New Hampshire’s Children Release and Press Conference takes place in January at the Legislative Office Building. Partners, legislators, and the public assemble as the Priorities are unveiled, and speakers often include policymakers and members of the business community.

During the legislative session, the NH CAN Coordinator assists the action step leaders and informs partners on Priorities progress through the weekly Child Advocacy Update, regular action alerts, and other outreach to meet the needs of the individual action step. Action step leaders submit Mid-Session Reports, which are compiled by the Coordinator and disseminated to the partners following the legislative crossover.

To close out the Priorities year, partners, policymakers, and friends gather for an End of Session Celebration in June, where action step leaders, the NH CAN Steering Committee, and partners are recognized for their efforts, and together we toast the year’s successes for New Hampshire children and families.

NH CAN partners and advisors receive the End of Session Report, compiled by the Coordinator, following the close of the legislative session, and the process begins again with brainstorming for the following year.