Global Leaders Advocacy Project: Innovation Awards (Children’s Chamber of Commerce) September 14, 2010 Monica Duncan, Michigan State Director Lisa Sams, Consultant and former Iowa State Director

2 What is the main issue/concern that you are trying to address? Early childhood programs need leaders who understand and implement quality business practices and viable business models to serve families. The early childhood sector needs recognition and funding from private and public sectors. Business and community members need to become more engaged in early care and education.

3 What is the goal or outcome you want to achieve? Targeted groups (Community Business Leaders and elected State and Local Officials) will be educated on the importance and work of dedicated early care and education professionals and potentially become stronger advocates for ECE programs. Members of the targeted groups will become actively involved in activities that will allow them to share with others the importance of early care and education and assist in organizing the awards program. The First Children’s Finance Children’s Chamber of Commerce will be actively operating in two states, Iowa and Michigan.

4 What is Children’s Chamber of Commerce?  The Children’s Chamber of Commerce is a membership program of First Children’s Finance.  The Children’s Chamber recruits and mobilizes business people with interest, expertise and ability to invest in the business side of early care and education.  The goal is to keep childcare enterprises open, full and of high quality.

5 How will the Children’s Chamber of Commerce serve providers? Support the development of technical assistance resources and programs to help increase the business skills of early care education providers Provide management capacity-building, as well as financing for facility improvements and expansion Innovation Awards Program Imagine, Innovate, Inspire

6 What is the Innovation Award and Ceremony? The First Children’s Finance Innovation Award recognizes: Innovation in business systems Creative programs, practices, and/or solutions to an identified child care business challenge or problem Advocacy efforts that promote the exposure and advancement of quality care initiatives “Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” Peter F. Drucker America Educator and Writer

7 Award Recipients $500 award Congratulatory trophy Recognition in the media, First Children’s e-newsletter and the First Children’s website

8 Who was Involved? Government leaders Community leaders Business leaders Advocates and supporters Early care and education providers Innovation Award recipients First Children’s Finance growth fund advisors First Children’s Finance staff

9 Challenges Managing time schedule while engaging others in the process Ensuring volunteers complete designated tasks and commitments Clear (unified) messaging and definitions about quality and innovation Educating judges about early care and education bench marks, specific to quality and innovation Pace of project is not congruent with need of services Newly established presence in each state (limited exposure; numerous other worthy organizations)

10 Innovation Award Outcomes Promoted importance of early care and education within our communities (i.e. news paper articles, radio shows, public broadcast stations, guest speakers, ceremony) Appreciation and acknowledgement of dedication to children given to ECE leaders Introduced Children’s Chamber of Commerce to the community- official “kick off” (i.e. providers, government officials, community & business leaders) Garnered the support and commitment (financial, time and expertise) of some individuals and businesses in our communities

11 Lessons Learned Advocacy: Importance of collaboration with other advocates to promote the work of early care and education Importance of researching the community to familiarize self with existing practices and programs that are progressing the imperativeness of early care and education Importance of familiarizing yourself with leaders in the community who can mobilize the work Importance of educating the community (specifically the business community) about the return on investment (i.e. brain development, quality programming, successful business practices)

12 Lessons Learned Leadership: Significance of drawing upon your resources, relationships and network of supporters Significance of acknowledging and supporting the work of community partners Significance of establishing the FCF commitment to the local community with visible “face” Significance of simplicity in message delivery (clear and concise) Significance of “Capturing the Moment” -swift follow-up with interested individuals (i.e. gaining/maintaining supporters and champions)

13 Conclusion

14 Questions?

15 Contact Information First Children’s Finance Michigan Office Monica Duncan, Michigan State Director, 8726 Woodward Ave, 2 nd Floor, Detroit, MI First Children’s Finance Iowa Office Lisa Sams, Consultant and former Iowa State Director, 4919 Columbus Rd., Quincy, IL