Peer Policy Fellow grantee partners: 

• Asian Texans for Justice
• Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
• Mental Health America of Greater Houston
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – Texas
• Texas Civil Rights Project

Policy Fellow grantee partners:

• Disability Rights Texas
• National Association of Social Workers Texas
• Texans Care for Children, Inc.
• Texas Assn. of Community Health Centers
• Texas Counseling Association
• Texas Pediatric Society

“This is embracing a big change while also preserving the original purpose of the Guide: to educate as many people as possible about the mental health system in Texas,” says Alison. “Having a web version will get more eyes on the Guide’s content and keep us up to date with trends. We are excited to see the reach of the new Guide website.”

Another significant change implemented by the Policy Unit was the thematic shift in the Hogg Policy Academy and Fellows initiative, emphasizing support for children and families, particularly in Central Texas.

“Rather than charging the Policy Academy with covering every mental health issue in depth, which we’ve learned is nearly impossible, we were drawn to the potential benefits of a shared topic of interest among the participants,” Alison explains. “Fellowship is an important part of the Policy Fellows program, and having a common agenda around a shared focus will enhance the fellowship experience.”

Alison Mohr Boleware, Hogg Director of Policy

“My core value is that the time I spend investing in others is the best use of my time,” Doug states. His extensive background includes serving as an Adjunct Professor of Social Welfare Policy at The University of Texas at Austin and leading campaigns focused on mass incarceration and employment opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

As Policy Academy Director, Doug’s primary task is to create and teach a robust curriculum of shared learning opportunities for the Policy and Peer Policy Fellows to engage in the policymaking, advocacy, and systems change efforts, as well as build their professional development skills. “I know the challenges, disappointments, opportunities, and excitement of policymaking at the state level,” he says. “I want the Fellows to fully experience all of this, expanding their skills and connections to become recognized and trusted policy practitioners. Most importantly, I want them to step into leadership roles in mental health policy.”

Despite its small size, the Policy Unit has a packed agenda. Alison describes her approach to ensuring every issue receives necessary attention while setting priorities.

“There is never a shortage of work!” she exclaims. “As a team of three, we can’t devote the necessary time to each issue and still get enough sleep, so we’ve been strategic about prioritizing our issues and defining our roles.”

Effective policy work relies heavily on collaboration, so the Hogg Foundation Policy Unit has forged strong partnerships and participates in various coalitions comprised of dedicated individuals.
“This collaborative approach allows us to focus our energy on issues where we have expertise and that matter to our grantee partners,” Alison explains.

“The policy prioritization process involves assessing the current mental health and substance use landscape in Texas and identifying solutions to address existing gaps and barriers,” she continues. “We take direction from grantee partners to better understand the challenges within their communities and the solutions needed to support their mental health and well-being.”

Another important realization for Alison and the Policy Unit is that Hogg doesn’t need to lead on every issue but can serve as a convener, collaborator, connector, or strategist.

“Hogg receives many requests from various people and organizations. One of my biggest—and toughest—jobs has been figuring out when to engage versus when to step back,” Alison shares. During the last legislative session, youth and student mental health emerged as a major concern for grantee partners. Consequently, the Policy Unit focused on legislation and funding related to creating safe and supportive schools, allowing them to engage with new stakeholders and respond to legislators’ interests.

Hogg Policy Fellows

Doug has his own set of goals. “The first priority is to ensure that the Policy Academy provides the knowledge and skills the Fellows need to succeed in state-level policymaking,” he states. “Every session is carefully designed to provide the right amount of content, application, and coaching, all timed at the right point in the legislative calendar to be most relevant to the Fellows and their organizations. I work closely with the Hogg Foundation, Texans Care for Children, and the Academy Mentors and Fellows to co-design this experience.”

Doug also emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of community among the Fellows and Mentors, creating valuable connections and a support network throughout their two-year experience.

The Hogg Policy and Peer Policy Fellows program is one of the Foundation’s longest-running initiatives and a highly respected incubator of mental health policy capacity in Texas. Academy alumni are leaders in mental health policy and advocacy, many running their own organizations or leading policy initiatives.

“The last two years have been a period of growth and transformation for the Policy Unit,” says Alison. “As we continue to evolve and adapt, we will remain a beacon of hope for those in need and a driving force in shaping public policy to improve mental health outcomes for all Texans.”