Working with Local Organizations: Building connections between community organizations and schools

“I am impressed with myself…I don't like politics and I don't like talking to people if I don't have to. But [to prepare for the Heritage Quest] I have met with school boards. I have met with selectmen, the police department. I talked with everybody at town hall. I went to three different historical society meetings with fifty people there. I talked to the Lakes Region Retired Teachers Association and was on…public access TV talking about this. For me that was the biggest lesson in life. I am so much more confident.”
--Gilford Teacher.

One of the ways that CO-SEED moves learning out into the community and brings the community into learning environments is through building strong linkages between community organizations and their constituencies in the schools and community. These organizations can be as diverse as a park, the historical society, a museum, the conservation commissions, the DOT, a local trails group, the scouts, a local business, or a neighborhood improvement association. No matter who the partners are, they should all be dedicated to advancing the CO-SEED vision.

The development of deep and multi-faceted educational partnerships also results in the growth of social capital, that invisible web of trust and reciprocity that supports community vitality. As partnerships develop, different constituencies come to understand the value of each other's perspectives, and enjoy the benefits of each other's skills and experiences as they tackle mutually agreed upon projects. In this collaborative environment, students are seen as a community asset and their energy, enthusiasm and fresh outlook are welcomed. Local environmental quality benefits from the conservation projects that often serve as the context for place-based educational practice, as do social and cultural needs. As Jack Chin says, “place-based education … enables students to see that learning is relevant to their world, to take pride in where they live, to connect with the rest of the world, and to develop into concerned and contributing citizens.”

The philosophy of CO-SEED is built around schools and students becoming more connected to their communities. In order to facilitate this ongoing partnership, it is important to also get community organizations more directly connected to schools!

Last Updated: 7/27/09