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| Dr. Tim Ham presents to a packed house |
Practitioners Donna Davis, senior mobilizer, Expect More Arizona, Mitzi Epstein, vice president, Arizona PTA; Dr. Tim Ham, superintendent, Madison Elementary; and Jill Hicks, outreach specialist, Washington Elementary, gave strategic tips on how to best engage your district, parents, staff and community members, and connect with them through diverse models of advocacy.
Each presenter spoke from experience about groups that are working in their districts, such as the Madison CAC Citizens Advisory Committee, whose goals include assessing legislative issues for their impact on public education, and securing realistic funding for Arizona’s public schools, currently ranked 49th in the nation in per pupil funding.
Ms. Hicks shared her expertise on creating a Business Advisory Team to connect businesses and community groups and resources to districts and schools. These partnerships have resulted not only in financial resources for schools, but in addition a wealth of talent willing to work in schools to help students reach their potential.
Ms. Davis shared her tips on communicating with retirees and those who do not have children attending schools. Best practices in community engagement state that the following work wonders to engage communities:
- Ask - What organizations are your staff members part of? What organizations are in your community?
- Encourage staff to join community organizations and tell your story
- Host patron tours
- Create meaningful volunteer opportunities
- Have tables at community events
- Create presentations that can be given at local organizations
ASA has a Community Advocacy group that meets quarterly. To join the advocacy conversation and gain ideas and strategies to engage your district and community, contact Nedda Shafir at nshafir@cox.net or visit us on the ASA website.
ASPRA Reporter Nedda Shafir, ASA Communications Consultant
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