Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina’s Post

What does it mean to positively engage with public education? Part of positively engaging is volunteering, and advocating. How you speak about a thing leaves a long-lasting impression. Public education has its origins in the Common Schools. Horace Mann, Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, began to advocate for the creation of public schools that would be universally available to all children, free of charge, and funded by the state. The Center on Education Policy states, "Mann and other proponents of “common schools” emphasized that a public investment in education would benefit the whole nation by transforming children into literate, moral, and productive citizens". If public education is not your choice, don't undermine its ability to serve others.? Hold it accountable, demand that it fulfill its mission, and engage positively. It's important to stress the importance of education, skill development, and creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential, highlight how education equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in life. Share success stories of students, teachers, and schools that have achieved outstanding results or overcome challenges. Positive anecdotes can demonstrate the impact of public education on individual lives and communities. Emphasize how public education is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and providing equal opportunities for learning. Showcase how public schools often serve as community hubs, hosting events, providing resources, and engaging with families and local organizations. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of teachers, administration, and staff who play a critical role in serving our students Use data and research that demonstrate the positive outcomes of investing in education and the long-term benefits it brings to society. Remember, speaking positively about public education is not about denying its flaws or challenges, but rather about recognizing its importance and potential. I think of the quote attributed to Albert Einstein when I hear people dragging public education, and yet they make no contribution to the solution. "Work is x, play is y and z is keeping your mouth shut. We can not solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them." #publiceducation  #industry #advocacy #solutionoriented

It's #GivingTuesday, and as we count our blessings during this season of Thanksgiving, we are thrilled to share a special announcement that embodies the spirit of gratitude and giving back - the Keep it 100 Society! Inspired by the success of our 'Keep it 100' program, this society is founded on data-driven research, showcasing that with just 100 hours of instruction, adults can make substantial strides in their academic journey. By joining the Keep it 100 Society, you play a crucial role in breaking down barriers that hinder adult learners from pursuing their education and career goals. Your support provides essential resources like shuttle bus services and nutritious meals, creating an environment where they can focus on studies without unnecessary obstacles. Exclusive Benefits for Keep it 100 Society Members: -Invitation to the CEO's Annual Virtual Briefing: Gain firsthand insights into how your gift transforms lives. -Be the First to Learn About Volunteer Opportunities: Engage in one-on-one tutoring or assist with career readiness support. -Live-Stream Access to Our Annual Graduation Ceremony: Watch with pride as the AoH graduate you support crosses the stage. -Regular Stories, Photos, and Updates: Stay connected with the AoH learners you help empower. Exclusive Matching Offer: Double Your Impact!  The Galena-Yorktown Foundation and Alice and Eugene Ford Foundation have generously offered to match every dollar you contribute, up to $35,000, towards your Keep it 100 Society membership. Your support will have twice the impact, amplifying the reach of your generosity and enabling us to provide even more support to adult learners. Your Gift, Their Opportunity  With the Foundations’ matching offers, your contribution directly funds vital resources, ensuring that every meal, shuttle service, and supportive initiative becomes possible because of your generosity. You're not just giving; you're providing an opportunity for adult learners to take control of their chance to succeed. Your commitment will make a tangible difference in the lives of adult learners, empowering them to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational and career goals. Join today: https://lnkd.in/e8qjBQpf

In March 2023, EducateNKY embarked on a transformative mission to redefine education in Northern Kentucky through collaboration and innovation. This nonprofit organization, launched by the OneNKY Alliance, is focused on improving outcomes for children and families by scaling effective pre-K-12 education programs and systems already in place. With a comprehensive approach, it conducted a landscape assessment across three counties to identify five strategic priorities: early learning, family engagement, mastery learning, exposure, and out-of-school-time and secondary options. Under the leadership of Tim Hanner, a veteran in education and nonprofit sectors, EducateNKY is rallying the community for systemic change. The governance and advisory boards comprise a mix of educators, business leaders, and community activists, underscoring the collaborative effort to tackle educational challenges. Key findings from their assessment highlight critical issues such as regional segregation, a non-representative teaching force, and a significant portion of students unprepared for post-secondary life. As EducateNKY prepares a strategic plan by July 1, the emphasis on inclusivity and community involvement stands out, aiming to address disparities and improve educational outcomes. The organization presents a compelling case for business executives to engage in education reform, recognizing its impact on workforce quality, economic prosperity, and regional development. https://lnkd.in/gjSB9GwF

Today, I had a great opportunity to participate in a meaningful virtual volunteering event focused on enhancing literacy for first graders. The event, "Education & Literacy: Classic Sight Words for First Graders Kit," in collaboration with Project Helping, was an enlightening experience that not only aimed at improving literacy but also at nurturing a love for learning among young students. 📚 The heart of today's activity was the creation of the Classic Sight Words for First Graders Kit. This carefully designed kit included 75 sight word flashcards, a journal, a pencil pouch, writing utensils, and some fidget toys, all aimed at supporting first graders in their literacy journey. The process of making these flashcards was not just an act of volunteering but a profound reminder of the impact of education and the role of literacy in empowering our youth. ✨ Participating alongside my colleagues under the banner of BDO Counts was a reminder of the power of collective effort. BDO USA has always championed the cause of giving back to the community. It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved, all driven by the common goal of making a difference in the lives of young learners. As I reflect on today's experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful cause. It was a reminder that even small actions can have a big impact, and when we come together, we can create a wave of positive change. #volunteering #literacy #education #BDOCounts #bethedifference #communityservice

Each week, we’ll be featuring one of our members from AFP - Central Iowa and giving them a platform to talk about their work and why it’s meaningful. • Next up, AFP-CI Membership Co-Chair, Nicole Schleif Sinn, CFRE!  • • Nicole is the Chief Development Officer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa which provides kids and teens with a safe, positive environment where they can connect, learn and explore after school programs led by a team of professionally trained youth development specialists. The diverse collection of programs are tailored to encourage growth in three main areas: Academic Success, Health and Wellness, and Good Character and Leadership while preparing and inspiring Club youth to reach their full potential. Currently, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa serves over 500 K-12 students at eight clubs in the Des Moines Metro. “I don’t think it’s any secret that young people are really struggling right now, and I feel strongly that our mission has never been more important.” Learn more at https://www.bgcci.org/. • • • Three valuable lessons that Nicole has learned in her fundraising career are: 1 - I truly believe that passion for the mission is the most important qualification for the work. Everything else can be learned/developed. That passion is felt by those around you, and it gives you the fortitude to continue in a sometimes very challenging environment. 2 -  The most important parts of our fundraising jobs are almost never the most urgent. Carve out time to do the most important work and do not allow it to be compromised! A work in progress for me. 3 - Put on your own oxygen mask first. I can’t do my best for the organization if I am not at my best.

☎ Are you ready to discover the power of DEI in your nonprofit career? 💼 We're thrilled to share that the much-loved Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion course, a gem from our extensive Merit® Nonprofit Professional Development suite, can now be enjoyed on its own, crafted to fit into your unique journey of professional growth. ❓ Why This Course? In our journey through the realm of nonprofit work, we've heard time and time again a pressing need for DEI awareness and skills that not only foster a more inclusive environment but also empower us to better serve our communities. This course is our answer to that call - a meticulously crafted learning experience that promises to reshape the way you approach DEI in your professional life. 🌟 What Sets This Course Apart? Gone are the days of passive learning and "talking heads" that leave you more likely to check your phone than engage with the material. Our course is built on a foundation of active learning, engaging every participant with: 📖 Interactive Workbooks: Dive deep into the course material in a way that's both educational and engaging, ensuring the learnings stick with you long after you've completed the course. 🎓 Quizzes: Test your understanding and reinforce your learnings with quizzes designed to challenge and provoke thought. 🥇 Certificates: Upon completion, receive a certificate that not only marks your achievement but also boosts your professional credentials in the DEI space. 📕 Personal Learning Plan: Our course concludes with a personal learning plan, helping you apply the insights and skills you’ve gained in a way that's tailored to your unique professional journey. 🤭 Who Should Enroll? If you're someone working within the nonprofit sector and passionate about creating inclusive environments, fostering equity, and embracing diversity in all its forms - this course is for you. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding or transform your organization’s approach to DEI, you'll find the content both foundational and transformative. 🐸 Take the Leap! This isn't just another online course in which information is pushed out to you from a "sage on a stage." Rather, it's an invitation to embark on a journey that will not only enhance your career but also contribute to making the world a more inclusive and equitable place. 🔎 Discover the power of DEI in your nonprofit career: enroll today! https://bit.ly/merit_dei 🌏 Together, let's drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. #DEI #NonprofitProfessionals #OnlineLearning #MakeAnImpact

How can we best prepare the new nonprofit leaders that we need? There are many ways to do that. Noncredit and credential awarding courses are options. Students can be prepared in the formal higher education sector too. Based on my experience teaching multiple courses in nonprofit management, I suggest an approach for the higher education, degree awarding sector where undergraduate students, nonprofit agencies, and university members engage in mutual dialogue, expectation, and commitment. A service learning course in a quasi-independent-study format can be utilized to enable these goals. Research has shown that the independent study course can be effective for high level learning because it offers an experience not otherwise available, incorporates self-authorship and personal authority, and allows students, communities, and faculty members to connect. Often students seeking an independent study course (ISC) are seeking an experience not otherwise offered in their university setting. An ISC is an ideal opportunity for students, community members, and faculty to work collaboratively to design a learning experience that is grounded in theory, will be applied, and will be highly personal. Johnson and Hooper (1982) assert that learning cannot occur unless the student is ready to be engaged. Because students must seek out the ISC, the student must be highly motivated. D W Butin notes in “Identity (re)construction and student resistance” (2005) that average students often resist service-learning. Thus, the use of the ISC to engage a motivated student is the best possible circumstance. Are you partnering with the college and university sector to better enable you to fulfill your mission? Do you have an active internship program? Want to start one? Ask me how.

Volunteering as a substitute teacher has fundamentally changed my perspective of the education market. For over 20 years, I've been developing, designing and marketing educational materials to schools and teachers. But it took only 18 months of occasional teaching to replace my assumptions of my target audience with real-life understanding. It often makes me cringe when I think of some of the marketing strategies/messages we've executed, especially now when I receive similar messages as a teacher. The classroom is a beautiful mess of personal stories, challenges, diverse abilities and needs, the common cold, bathroom breaks, funny jokes, specialist teacher breakout sessions and sometimes even interest in academics. Some students prefer math and science while others tend toward reading and writing but, maybe not surprisingly, only few who actually use the term "love" for any specific subject. So in short, positioning a new product as the one-fits-all solution, will likely miss the mark. Emails with subject lines like "Get Your Students excited about >>enter subject<< with our new >>enter product<<" will probably miss the mark (HINT: refer to your email engagement rate). I love the educational market (probably now more than I did before I had in-classroom experience) and would like to offer two thoughts for all who market/sell services and/or products to the educational space: 1. Create a safe space for your employees with classroom (or other education) experience to speak truthfully about your product as well as your marketing AND sales strategies. They're your in-house target audience. Listen and learn. 2. Encourage AND enable your employees, especially your marketing and sales team to become substitute teachers. Offer volunteer days so they can do this without pay. It'll be cheaper and more effective than any other form of market research. If you have questions about becoming a substitute teacher (especially in Minnesota), PM me. It's easier than you think and requires zero teaching experience. Thank you to all you teachers out there. You are the ones who build our future.