Who, ME? Yes, YOU! Early educators running for office, serving on boards, and influencing policy NAEYC 2017 Professional Learning Institute Tuesday, June 13, 2017 8:00 – 10:00 AM San Francisco, CA

Learning Outcomes Gain increased confidence and an awareness of opportunities at the local, state and national level to run for office and get more involved in policy development. Hear lessons learned from the experiences of early educators who ran for office, serve on local, state and national boards and became more involved in policy. Develop strategies on how to increase your personal and professional network and find mentors and develop a better understanding of how to get more involved, specific steps to take and how to stay connected to like-minded people for support.

Before we even get started… What is YOUR why? Know your why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZe5y2D60YU Find someone you don’t know and share your why. What did you learn?

Introductions and Our Whys… Senator Beth Bye, Connecticut General Assembly Betsy Carlin, EC Consulting, Wyoming Marie Enochty, Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts Amy O’Leary, Strategies for Children, Massachusetts

SO…What is your story Why did you decide to run / serve? How does this connect to your definition to leadership? Did you win the first time!? Tell us more about why you decided to go for it… Why is it critical that people who work with young children and families to run for office, serve on boards and influence policy?

Digging In Questions to Consider What experiences did you have that helped you prepare or provided opportunities to learn and practice? How did you learn the rules? Organizations that helped? Who are your mentors? What surprised you? What are some myths about running and serving?

Questions and Reactions What themes did you hear? What else do you want to know!? Are you thinking differently?

Making a Plan for ACTION! How will you be intentional about: Increasing your personal and professional network. Developing a list of questions and an outreach strategy. Finding mentors. Developing a better understanding of how to get more involved. Finding organizations that can help support you. Finding opportunities to run! Figuring out how to stay connected to like-minded people for support and lessons learned.

TAKING ACTION TODAY! Write a postcard to yourself with 3 things you will do when you get back home! We will send it back to you. Be an ambassador! Fill out this sticker and start conversations with others. Share what you learned...start the buzz! Sign up to keep in touch.

LESSONS LEARNED If not you, THEN WHO!? Do your homework. Ask questions. Read the local paper. Pay attention to the issues. People want to help you. “We under-estimate our base.” Your skills and talents as early educators are transferable! Practice, practice, practice. Look for opportunities and create your own. Find allies. Ask for help. Don’t go at it alone. Volunteer for campaigns and organizations. YOU CAN DO IT.

Keep In Touch Senator Beth Bye, Connecticut General Assembly Bethbye@auerfarm.org Betsy Carlin, EC Consulting, Wyoming Bcarlin871@gmail.com‎ Marie Enochty, Boston Public Schools, Massachusetts menochty@bostonpublicschools.org Amy O’Leary, Strategies for Children, Massachusetts aoleary@strategiesforchildren.org