Services

Policy Development. Creating new policy directions requires thoughtful application of current research, sensitivity to divergent political agendas and careful attention to existing operating cultures. We translate the best research into a policy package that addresses political and operational realities while keeping a steady focus on the needs of your citizens. As one state senator put it, “I kept your report on my desk and referred to it often. It became my bible for prodding change.”

Strategic Planning. Whether you call it strategic, long range or sustainability planning, your goal is to articulate a vision and develop plans to give that vision life. We favor a broadly inclusive approach designed to yield a high degree of stakeholder understanding and commitment. Although this approach typically takes more time, in the long run it is more powerful than top down approaches. A governor’s policy aide summed it up this way, “I was a skeptic. Now I’m a believer. Your process allowed everyone a place at the table, time to be heard, and enough evidence to justify altering long held positions. We’re now in a position to lead change. Thank you.”

Evaluation. Many education policies are never evaluated. Our evaluations, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, yield pertinent information about the efficiency and effectiveness of programs. This can lead to program improvements that deliver better service at the same or reduced costs. The CEO of a nonprofit group appreciated our efforts: “Your work not only allowed us to improve our services, it also strengthened our case when we met with funders. Inviting you in was one of the best investments we’ve ever made.”

Research. Van de Water Consulting does not typically engage in original research. Rather, we ferret out research that is applicable to your policy problem and translate the findings into pithy policy briefs that give you the key facts you need to make better decisions. A foundation officer noted, “Your policy brief on P-16 education is the basis for our new initiative. We refer to it often and share it with every group interested in launching a P-16 initiative.”

Project Management. Whether it’s taking an idea and turning it into a program delivering services, coordinating a statewide strategic plan or managing a large grant, project management is the key to keeping complex tasks on track and moving toward a goal. We have successfully staffed blue ribbon commissions, managed large national grants and led complex planning teams. We make that experience available to you through consultations or by assuming project management responsibility. A client expressed his gratitude this way: “We got off to a bad start with our Commission. You came in and not only got us focused and back on schedule, you managed to get the Commission to support solid recommendations that will serve our state well in the future. Great work!”

Facilitation. There are many benefits that an outsider can offer in managing a conversation on a difficult issue or set of issues. We can customize and manage an appropriate process that brings the right people to the table and provides the context for creating workable solutions to knotty problems. A citizen leader had this to say: “Good job! I thought you had an impossible task from the get-go. I think you have done a fine job given the current unwillingness of policymakers to engage in doing the ‘right-things’.”