Create a Community Conversation
When organizing your own Community Conversation on Education take these simple steps to make an impact in your community:
Step one- Learn about & understand key public education issues and policies beyond the rhetoric
Subscribe to major education news outlets:
- http://www.edweek.org
- https://schools.nyc.gov
- http://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com
- www.insideschools.org
- www.advocatesforchildren.org
- www.communityschools.org
Step two- Get to know your Community School District
- Understand structure & school representation
- Issues/concerns in public education that affect students, parents, administrators, and educators in your community.
- Attend meetings and hearings in your district
Step three- Share the importance of public education among colleagues & friends, especially those who are not directly involved in education
Step four- Establish alliances & partnerships with local community leaders such as:
- Bank representatives
- Directors of Community Centers and Public Institutions
- Small business owners
- Doctors or health care professionals
- Community liaisons of Arts Organizations
- Faith based Leaders
Step five- Develop a set of questions to guide the discussion such as:
- What has been your experience as a community leader/member with the changes in the public education ?
- What role does the individual play in supporting public education?
- What role does the community play in supporting public education?
- What is one connection you can make here today with the individuals in this room that would make a difference?
Step six- Call together a meeting that promotes discussion around the
key questions.
- Find a local meeting place such as a Library, Community Center, or Faith- Based institution to hold the meeting.
