NAEYC National Dialogue Orientation 101: A Companion Document to the White Paper

Dialogue “Dialogue…is about a shared inquiry, a way of thinking and reflecting together. It is not something you do to another person. It is something you do with people. Indeed, a large part of learning this has to do with learning to shift your attitudes about relationships with others, so that we gradually give up the effort to make them understand us, and come to a greater understanding of ourselves and each other. “ William Isaacs,

The purpose of the National Dialogue is as follows; the NAEYC Governing Board has initiated a national dialogue to strengthen the relationship among and between NAEYC component parts.

Relationships Power in organizations is the capacity generated by relationship. What gives power its charge – positive or negative – is the quality of the relationship. Margaret J. Wheatley

The “Relationship Issue”: A NAEYC Timeline  NANE forms (National Association for Nursery Education)  1937 – Boston Delegates conference – affiliate structure discussed  Boston Delegates conference – formal relationship discussion tabled  Registration process with NANE  Affiliate Groups in process  NANE reorganizes as NAEYC, implements an Affiliate Group structure  Governance Study conducted  YC article by Marilyn Smith, NAEYC- Our Organization, Present and Future: Issues for Discussion, Spring Leadership Conference opens national discussion  ADP (Association Development Process) implemented  Re-affiliation (version 3) implemented, first Affiliate Council meets  2004 & State Affiliate strategic plans submitted  Strategic plans temporarily suspended  year anniversary of 2001 Re-affiliation  2011 – National Dialogue initiated on relationship among and between NAEYC and its component parts

Timing is Everything

Why Now?  Vision 2015  Organizational focus on continuous cycle of improvement  The timing makes sense o 10 year anniversary of re-affiliation (2011) o Right time to examine the relationship between NAEYC and it’s components  Emerging trends among components  Dynamic changes in ECE  Impact of shifting economic, political and social climates

Why Now? Dramatic shift initiated in the relationship between NAEYC and Affiliates 11 years ago Re-affiliation (version 3) cemented and formalized a structural and legal relationship Increased accountability Legal documents signed (charter agreements) Non profit business practices Emphasis intentionally placed on states*

State Issues and Trends Shift to state focus has left many local leaders feeling disconnected. Many report feeling “as if we’ve lost our voice.” Leadership reports not having enough input at the national level – “feel disconnected from the Board.” Expectations – without increase in resources - elevated (by the national component), leaving many feeling unsupported in their efforts to achieve expected results.

Local Issues and Trends Structure not sufficiently customized for local communities Leadership appreciates heavy emphasis on business practices but report it dominates their energy, time, and resources – eliminating the passion of many to participate in leadership roles Some local components dissolving

The National Dialogue from January 2010 to present

What’s Been Done to Date White Paper Guiding Principles Evaluative Lenses & Decision Making Criteria 3 National Dialogue Meetings Anaheim (2010), Rhode Island, Orlando (2011) 11 Regional Meetings NC, NJ, VT, TX, CA, WA, SD, CO, IL, MO

Roles and Responsibilities  NAEYC Governing Board  Affiliate Council  Affiliate Boards  Affiliate Staff

Affiliate Council Purpose 15.1 The Affiliate Council serves three purposes: 1. To provide a forum for networking among Affiliate leaders to discuss issues of common concern; 2. To develop recommendations for the NAEYC Governing Board with a particular focus on Affiliate issues; and 3. To develop recommendations for the Nominating Panel regarding potential candidates for the Affiliate Liaison seats on the Governing Board. NAEYC Governing Board Handbook, 2010

Time and Place for Leadership The importance of perspective – members, local and state presidents, senior affiliate staff, NAEYC GB, AC leadership, and NAEYC staff Role of Advisory Group – Jodi Askins (PA), Robert Castro (TX), Brenda Boyd (WA), Roberta Schomburg (NAEYC GB), Betsy Carlin (Affiliate Council) Intentionality and transparency

What’s Next May 2012 NAEYC GB meets with Betsy Carlin, Chair of Affiliate Council Regional meeting transcripts synthesized June meeting agenda developed Young Children column authored by Betsy Carlin June 2012 Final National Dialogue meeting in Indianapolis (Friday, June 8 th ) Affiliate Council debrief and work session in Indianapolis (Saturday, June 9 th )

What’s Next July – August AC and GB both appoint small workgroups that will develop and deliberate a set of recommendations in keeping with the Decision Making Criteria. Two-way exchange between AC and GB continues throughout summer September 2012 – GB meets to approve s recommendations and determines next steps Implementation Phase planning anticipated Fall 2012

Thank You! For additional information please contact your state’s Affiliate Council representative For further assistance please contact Ed Stierli, NAEYC Affiliate and Member Relations, at or by phone at ext.