03 - The Education Sector and Community Change

Organizing for Change Podcast - Show Notes

Goal: “to equip coalitions, organizations, and individuals to bring change to their community”

 

Host, Amanda Decker joins the Paul Zinni, Superintendent of Avon Public Schools to talk about how the education sector can be involved in community change!

 

Welcome to Episode 003 of the Podcast: The Education Sector and Community Change

 

Guest: Paul Zinni, Superintendent of Avon Public Schools

 

Avon Public Schools Website: http://www.avon.k12.ma.us/

 

Organizing for Change Website: https://organizing4change.podbean.com/

 

Organizing for Change Twitter: @organizing4chng

 

3 Insights from This Episode:

1. Invest in Relationships: Investing in relationships allows you to have buy in when creating community change. Change is complex and relationships give you the opportunity to problem solve issues and create solutions beforehand. When people feel like they have a voice, and that voice has been heard, they are more likely buy into the change.

2. Look at the Why: There can be many reasons why a sector is hesitant to join the coalition. It is important to do your homework and find out “the why”, and not make assumptions. Once you have “the why” figured out, it important to give the sectors who have barriers opportunity to talk about their barrier and brainstorm solutions. Don’t jump to the solution before you analyze the problem.

3. Make Small “Asks”: Don’t come in asking for a big commitment such as coming to all of your meetings. Find something small and something specific a sector can do to “get their feet wet”. When they are involved in something that is successful, they will see the benefit and be willing to give more. Seeing the successes will make people want to do more.

Next Episode: Subscribe now for free and you won’t miss episode 004