1. Potential candidates can be referred by current Community of Practice members or Inland Regional Center. Qualifications for referral is that they are a) leaders in the community or a community group or assisting current leaders and have leadership skills and b) have a basic understanding of what advocacy is and are able to view issues on a systemic level. If someone from the community self-refers then the nomination will be brought to the CLASE group to determine whether to proceed with the process.

2. Applicants are vetted through the leaders who referred them. If self-referral, other agencies and NPOs are asked about their experience.

3. CLASE Facilitator conducts an interview/orientation with candidate to ensure they understand the purpose of CLASE, that they agree and will abide by the rules, and share similar values. The Facilitator will ask the candidate why they want to be part of CLASE, how would they be able to utilize and disseminate the information from CLASE, examples of collaboration, and how they deal with conflict and group dynamics.

4. Perspective candidates will be brought to entire Community of Practice for a vote to accept or reject nomination. Decisions are made by group consensus.

5. Individuals who are accepted into this year’s collaborative will have an opportunity to apply again the following year.