Establishing community relationships
Developing relationships with communities outside the school is an essential part of place-based activities. In order to develop links that are essential to the activity you have identified, it is important know who will and can support your initiatives. This takes some awareness of community interests and groups that support the broad goals of your activity.
Newspapers, radio articles, governmental and non-governmental groups are good starting points for collecting information about your proposed activity. Students can also be part of the information process. After you have assembled information about your activity, it is time to find members of the community with whom your team can work in a collaborative fashion. The success of your enterprise may well depend on the character and quality of the relationships you establish with these community members. These should be individuals who possess knowledge, skills and attitudes that relate to your interests and goals.
Once you have established relationships with these community members, it is important to keep them engaged, to support their activities and to acknowledge their contributions. Their role and contribution can be made known through published letters in the local newspaper, plaques and pictures with students, and verbal support throughout the community.
Newspapers, radio articles, governmental and non-governmental groups are good starting points for collecting information about your proposed activity. Students can also be part of the information process. After you have assembled information about your activity, it is time to find members of the community with whom your team can work in a collaborative fashion. The success of your enterprise may well depend on the character and quality of the relationships you establish with these community members. These should be individuals who possess knowledge, skills and attitudes that relate to your interests and goals.
Once you have established relationships with these community members, it is important to keep them engaged, to support their activities and to acknowledge their contributions. Their role and contribution can be made known through published letters in the local newspaper, plaques and pictures with students, and verbal support throughout the community.