Professional Organizations

A few years ago I read the book Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam.  It was a reminder of the many benefits belonging to a group can be--personally as well as for the community. 

I have belonged to a number of professional organizations throughout my professional career, some better than others.  Yet, belonging to these organizations helped me to realize that my "cause" was bigger than my limited world.  I learned so much from others how to do my job better. 

I would strongly encourage all our Esperanza educators to choose at least one professional organization to join that will widen their horizons...and then not only take from that organization, but also think of ways to contribute to it. 

Community Factors

ALL KIDS ARE OUR KIDS---For this reason we want a school-family-community partnership. 

• Increase social capital---Great book to read is Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam
• Make school the center for community activities
• The staff knows the community, networks with the community, and builds relationships
• Do asset building--"Protective Factors"--some great resources are Bonnie Bernard's book Resiliency, Stephen H. Glenn's book Raising Self-Reliant Children and the 40 Developmental Assets.