Get Involved
The following provides information about areas that we are currently focusing our passions and skills:
Early Childhood Education, especially prebirth to 3
School Culture & Community Support
Workforce Development
Advocacy
If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing any of these areas, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and provide any information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.
Early Childhood, especially prebirth to 3
The key to lifelong learning, which is required in the 21st Century, is what happens pre-birth to kindergarten. We have an emphasis on this vital time in life. Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful with our Early Childhood work.
Learn more about Early Childhood issues in your county and in Maryland;
Visit or volunteer at a Patty Center or Judy Center
Attend Early Childhood workshops and conferences
Promote reading and other kindergarten readiness activities
Advocate for businesses to establish on-site or nearby child care facilities or provide childcare subsidies or scholarships for employees
School Culture & Community Support
Real success of the Blueprint means we can no longer do the same things we have already done. We need widespread, system changes that pay attention to all of the factors that influence whether students are able to experience successful outcomes. Community Schools provide wraparound services for students and their families; they reach beyond the academics and address social, emotional, health and other basic needs.
We are encouraged by the accomplishments of Restorative Schools that “foster a positive and just learning and teaching environment where everyone feels safe, empowered and like they belong.” (click here) There are too few of these schools but the success of those that do exist make us strong promoters of them. Attendance is high; parents are involved and support the school; there is low teacher turnover; student achievement is higher.
Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area.
Find out about the Community Schools in your local school district
Volunteer at a local Community School
Become aware of the nearest Restorative School
Visit the school
Volunteer at the school
Workforce Development
Included in the Blueprint plan is students will be ready in high school to begin preparation for their next step, to attend college or pursue a career. Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment in high school and community college are two steps towards being prepared for college. To prepare for a career, students need to be aware of possible career choices and then of the requirements to enter the career of their choosing. They may need to enter a technical school or become an apprentice or intern.
Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful with our Workforce Development efforts.
Become aware of/promote awareness about county career programs
Become aware of employment opportunities and the necessary preparation to take advantage of these opportunities
Mentor students about career and college preparation
Encourage business participation in Workforce activities
Offer/sponsor Internships or apprenticeships
Advocacy
The Actions listed below are ways to actively support and publicize each of the above areas. To advocate and encourage participation in support of the full implementation of the Blueprint,
Learn about:
WCGMD and other similar organizations
The issues, best practices, related legislation, etc.
How your local school district is implementing the Blueprint
Attend:
School Board Meetings
Legislative committee and/or subcommitee hearings
State and local workshops of relevance
Write letters and/or make phone calls: of testimony, to public officials, media outlets, etc.
Meet with your State Delegates and Senators
Specialty volunteers are needed to assist with:
Social media presence and website
Press Conference planning to communicate important findings and planned actions
Clerical and logistics