Jennifer Diaz was the Vice President of Communications for ExcelinEd. In this role, she provides strategic advice and leads the organization’s external communications and marketing efforts.
This week at the American Federation for Children’s Annual Policy Summit, my ExcelinEd colleagues and I heard from an array of speakers and leaders across the educational opportunity movement. We found that two themes threaded each conversation.
Father Gregory Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Ministries, said “There is no us and them, just us.” This is a powerful reminder that those of us working in and around education are here for the kids and giving each of them a great pathway to a bright future. We may have different ways of getting there, but we are all working toward same goal.
AFC recently launched Voices for Choice, where you can learn about the real students and families that have benefited from school choice programs in their states. These individuals, bravely sharing their stories of trial and hope, are inspiring. Hearing many of these Voices for Choice at the Summit, we felt energized to continue working to ensure all students have the opportunity to find a school that is the best fit for their success.
“I participated in the peer consultancy workshop, and this experience was a great reminder how important it is to listen and ask questions of our colleagues, partners and even people outside of our traditional professional network. Brainstorming solutions to a problem can be more productive and fruitful when we have diverse perspectives weighing in.
“A key takeaway for me was to keep our messaging simple. Many of our organizations are in the weeds of these issues every day, navigating different policies, strategies and more. However, most average American families aren’t in the weeds. When it comes to a child’s education, most families simply want to know: Is my child safe, and is my child being equipped to pursue a successful life?”
“For those of us who’ve been advocating on behalf of disadvantaged students for some time now, Father Gregory Boyle’s remarks on opening night were a great reminder of why we do what we do. His life’s work — of standing with those who have no voice, of going to the margins to serve the marginalized — was an inspiration to the entire audience.”
“I appreciated AFC board member John Kirtley’s advice to attendees that even though reformers have a lot of bad days, we have to keep fighting the good fight because there are too many kids depending on it.”
https://twitter.com/Milenatehoff/status/1123968540414042113
Walter Blanks is proof of the power of #SchoolChoice. Ohio’s Ed Choice scholarship program changed the trajectory of Walter’s life, which he is now sharing so powerfully to truly change the lives of others. Here's his story. https://t.co/P06SaB58F8 #EdRevolution pic.twitter.com/CqIvbPyCGb
— American Federation for Children (@SchoolChoiceNow) May 3, 2019
“Left to right continuum, all hands on deck”- @citizenstewart on expanding the footprint on fighting for kids. Great panel on comms at @SchoolChoiceNow summit. #schoolchoice #EdRevolution pic.twitter.com/fw49FP0BS0
— Jennifer Diaz (@jennformative) May 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/VictoriaBell/status/1124019809895833607
"The problem in the world is that we've forgotten we belong to each other. No kinship, no equality." Powerful words from our first keynote speaker @FrGregBoyle of @HomeboyInd. #SchoolChoice #EdRevolution pic.twitter.com/NubdOHWs07
— American Federation for Children (@SchoolChoiceNow) May 2, 2019
Powerful message from @FrGregBoyle of @HomeboyInd: “Only way to erase the margins is to stand at them.” and “No us and them, just us.” #SchoolChoice #EdRevolution @SchoolChoiceNow pic.twitter.com/d5EdaguGaX
— Jennifer Diaz (@jennformative) May 2, 2019
