H. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

• There were new groups and organizations at the table, representation was broad, and as the issues and content were new to some participants, the added briefing resulted in rich discussion. In all cases, good discussion and feedback was accomplished. As a result, the Alliance has received: valuable input in to the principles for a National Children's Agenda; a list of essential services for all communities have been identified and discussed; and in terms of future activities, the both the Alliance and the affiliates shared their respective intentions, as well, plans & activities were shared and generated to influence the signing of a federal and provincial/territorial agreement on early childhood services by December 2000.

• Everybody was heard and learned from each other. There was a sharing of ideas and strategies, a sharing of information about the Alliance, the NCA, and other groups and organizations, and information was received on how to get involved. Participants connected with others of the same interests and concerns.

• Participants heard many perspectives on children and families.

• Networking was very valuable: meeting new groups and individuals to connect with in the future; finding out about existing collaborations sand similarities, and knowing what other groups are doing to get the message across.

• The development of tangible action plans for change: setting common goals and vision, developing clarity around the issues, follow-up and next steps established and committed to, such as: forming alliances, setting up action or ad-hoc committees, and appreciating that we need to work collaboratively and individually. Many of the regional forums created steering committees, alliances or collective actions plans. In almost all cases, at a minimum, a letter was to be drafted to government.

• Understanding the national agenda & process; the importance of collective feedback to lobby for change, having time to reflect on issues, and reinforcing the necessity to keep the debate alive was valuable. People were motivated, revitalized about the needs of children and the importance of being an advocate for all children, and a sense of being together for a common purpose.

• Participants were more used to responding to policy development rather than engaging in policy development.

• In some cases there was some tension, as not all participants were used to working together. Barriers were overcome during the meetings, which is a positive outcome in itself. There were some who looked to the Alliance to take a leadership role.

• The discussion of the principles was of great interest and debate, resulting in much feedback. The link between principles, program design and delivery was not easily distinguished by participants at times. Generally speaking, a majority of participants were in agreement with the principles suggested by the National Children's Alliance regarding the National Children's Agenda, but offered many additional comments.

• There were organizations who were comfortable with political action, and others who do not engage in advocacy or lobbying. However, participants came to see the power of traditional and new groups working together to 'communicate and provide information' to government. This may be an opportunity to educate groups about the value and avenues of advocacy and political action as it relates to policy development.

• Participants were told at the meeting that the Alliance cannot provide any funds at this time, that the product was to be a policy framework. This framework can be allied against existing or developing services and programs.

• An important distinction that surfaced during meetings was: You mean if I move to another province, I will not have the same child care services and programs I have now?" We need to link this to what the Alliance can do to ensure all children have access to appropriate services and programs.

• Within the discussion of essential services, early child care development and childcare were priorities and need to be moved forward.

• There was an issue in many conversations about the need to include youth.

• There is a need to support people understand change and transition - particularly those groups who are new to the table.

• The work of the National Children's Alliance is viewed positively by participants. Those in attendance indicated their enthusiasm to work with their provincial and territorial counterparts to move the mandate of the Alliance forward.