"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Maragert Mead

1. Finding a champion

Starting a new program in a new community is an exciting challenge that requires an enormous amount of energy, perseverance, patience, determination and flexibility.   In other words, it takes a champion!

A champion can be a community leader, a professor, a volunteer, a journalist, a teacher, a politician, or anyone who is passionate about helping young children and their families, who has the time and energy to tackle a new endeavor and who is driven enough to stick with it for the long haul.

2. Learning about the program

The next task is to learn about the program -  as much as possible!  Here are some different ways to do that:

ü             Explore this website fully.

ü             Explore websites of programs around the world.

ü             Visit a program.

ü             Attend HIPPY International training workshop.

3. Creating a small group of champions

The task of starting a new program is more than one person can do alone.  A group of  interested people should be created to help. 

If the original champion is not a member of the community for which the program is being considered, this expanded group MUST include a community representative. 

Other group members might be: family educators, early childhood professionals, community leaders, funders, political representatives, members of volunteer organizations, etc.

“A HIPPY program isn’t born overnight, but with some help, creativity and motivation new programs have started all over the world.  These new communities joined the international network of programs already involved in pursuing HIPPY’s simple mission—helping families take control of their futures by working together, starting at home.”

4. Determining a need and fit with local communities

In order to determine whether HIPPY would truly benefit any given community, a needs assessment of some sort needs to be conducted.   Whatever format is used the following questions should be addressed:

Is there a strong interest in such a program within the community?

Are there other programs and services in the community that would complement and support HIPPY?

Are there other programs with the same goals?  

Does HIPPY duplicate existing services or is there value-added to the community to start a new program?

Who are the major stakeholders and would they support this programmatic approach?

(Note: HIPPY USA has created a needs assessment protocol as part of its Start-up Manual which is available for purchase.  Some of the process is relevant to programs in other countries.)

There are several other parenting programs in the community and there are lots of learning materials for young children.  Do we still need HIPPY?

You may not.  It is important to conduct a thorough needs assessment before bringing any new programs to any community.  The steps provided here are intended to help you make that decision.

5. Attending a HIPPY training workshop

A HIPPY International training workshop is conducted every year at Hebrew University.  While there are many ways to learn about the program initially, there is no substitute for attending this workshop.  It is a requirement for starting a new program in a new country.  Information about the upcoming workshop is available at Meetings and Conferences.

I have run many social and educational programs.  Why do I have to come to another training?  Can’t you just send me the materials?

HIPPY is not just a set of materials.  It is a system of service delivery, an ideological approach to working with families and an international network.  During our training, we build on previous life and professional experiences that our participants bring and present our approach.  It is an enriching and dynamic experience.

6. Identifying a host organization

HIPPY must be housed within an organization or agency that has the legal autonomy to sign a contractual agreement with the Hebrew University.  Such an organization might be a school, church, community center, hospital, university, non-governmental organization, YMCA, women’s shelter,  or family support center.

7. Identifying possible funding sources

All programs have unique funding requirements and arrangements.  And HIPPY can be described in a variety of different ways depending on the aspect of the program that one wishes to stress: 

HIPPY as:

ü             Early childhood

ü             Early literacy

ü             Family support

ü             Parent education

ü             Job training

ü             Community development

(HIPPY USA also has a grants writing manual for purchase.)

Budget considerations

Creating a program budget.  Program budgets will vary considerable from site to site – these are some of the budgetary items you should take into consideration:

A budget planning sheet for one year of program operations with:

ü         60 families

ü         5 paraprofessionals

ü         one coordinator

Special notes:

·        In some countries, parents are required to pay – even just a nominal fee – for the program.  Some feel that it encourages serious commitment.  Others feel that it gets in the way of reaching those who would most benefit from the program.  The decision is yours.  If they do pay, this would be a small source of income for the program to be considered here.

·        All costs are subject to change.

8. Communicating with a HIPPY International contact person

Representatives of HIPPY International have accumulated years of experience in starting new programs.  The HIPPY Intentional office will put you in direct contact with someone to help guide and support the development of this new project.

9. Signing a contractual agreement with Hebrew University

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem holds the copyrights to the HIPPY program.  Therefore, all programs must sign a contractual agreement with Hebrew University which is intended to protect the name and reputation of the program by specifying the requirements for operating a high quality program.

In the case of a national program, one organization signs an agreement with the Hebrew University, and then sites within that country sign a sub license with that organization.

The contract has been developed to clarify the rights and obligations of both the Licensor (Hebrew university) and the Licensee (the organization that will host the new program).  These include:

ü        Supervision, services and assistance provided by HIPPY International.

ü        Supervision, services and assistance provided by the local program to participating families.

ü              Fees and payments.

ü              Purchase of materials.

ü              Territorial rights of local programs.

ü              Trademark and copyright issues.

ü              Contract renewal, termination and related information.

10. Hiring staff

Detailed information about selecting appropriate staff for the program is provided at the training workshop.

11. Ordering materials

Materials must be purchased for all participating families and for the home visitors. Arrangements will be made through HIPPY International when appropriate.

12. Arranging for a site visit

A new program cannot start without an initial site visit by  a HIPPY international representative.  Details about this site visit are also provided at the training workshop.

AND YOU’RE OFF………

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