Literary Arts’ Post

This is why Caldera is more than an "arts camp"; creativity is a way of thinking, expressing, working, being. Creativity is explosive, mischievous, sometimes dangerous, sometimes beautiful, introspective, delightful, a chaotic and unexpected handful that can expand the world of youth, adults and anyone open to its power. And in turn, they can use that power to change their world and maybe the entire world. Arts learning (having a regular creative practice0 is a powerful tool for whole brain development, growth and well-being.

Investing in equitable access to arts and culture does more than enrich the economic vitality of our communities—it empowers young people to develop essential 21st-century skills, including collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. That’s why, for more than 25 years, the Portland General Electric Foundation has been devoted to expanding access to creative learning experiences in both urban and rural communities across Oregon. This year, we’re pleased to support 30 organizations, large and small, with Creative Expression grants totaling $330,000, joining the Oregon Legislature, The Oregon Community Foundation, and James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation in funding Oregon’s cultural, educational, and economic legacy. Creative, hands-on learning fuels youth development, helping students discover who they are and what they’re passionate about, opens new avenues of thinking and problem solving, and builds empathy for others by empowering them to see the world from the diverse perspectives of their community. These attributes are crucial not just for personal growth but for employers as well. Oregon companies are struggling to find workers with engagement skills that foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, inclusivity and belonging. According to the 2024 Oregon Talent Assessment, more than 46 percent of companies find it challenging to recruit candidates who have essential employability (soft) skills — a gap quality arts education programming in the classroom and out-of-school can help fill as part of a well-rounded, child-centered approach to learning. When we fund arts and culture, we are not simply supporting a frill or an extra. Rather, we are investing in a diverse industry that stimulates the economy, supports local jobs, and contributes to building healthy, vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking communities. In the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study released last Fall, Americans for the Arts revealed that in fiscal year 2022, the creative sector contributed a monumental $829 million to Oregon’s economy. It’s no surprise that investment in arts and culture is a key strategy in the Portland Central City Task Force recommendations. And while the passionate voices advocating for a new state-of-the-art performance venue to replace the Keller Auditorium may differ in their viewpoints, they all value the economic and cultural significance the arts hold for Portland and the region. Let's continue to recognize the creative sector — arts, culture, heritage and humanities — for their economic impact and power to inspire future generations to imagine, innovate, and lead. Together, we can make Oregon a place where creativity knows no bounds! https://lnkd.in/dbAVNE8p #PGEFoundation #OregonKindofEnergy #ArtsEducation #CreativeExpression

Today is my last day as CityBridge Education's CEO. Although it's impossible to summarize this beautiful chapter, I have a few reflections I'd like to share: 💠 Systems change is a hockey stick, not a firework. We have a fondness for booms and busts in the education sector. The shiny new fad of the moment surfaces, garners lots of press and money—and then fades suddenly. Alternatively, the most impactful initiatives we've led at CityBridge have had slow, quiet build-ups followed by bursts of sustainable growth. We only served ~500 students in our first 2 years of CityTutor DC—and crossed the 10K mark in year 3. We spent years supporting local education leaders on their charter school applications—and CityBridge-launched schools now serve approximately 10% of DC’s charter market. Front-end planning, piloting, iterating, and coalition-building are quiet processes—but I’ve yet to see any other way of changing complex systems at-scale. 💠 Coalitions are built on the dance floor. If you’ve ever chaperoned a middle school dance, you have seen an imaginary line drawn across the floor—children eyeing one another suspiciously from across the room while refusing to leave the safety of their tribe. Adults do this too. We get in like-minded rooms and speculate about the “other side”— and most of the stories we tell each other in those echo chambers are wrong. Invite people to dance… or at least to coffee. Learn their story. Ask what they imagine for their kids and communities. There will always be areas of painful disagreement, but I am consistently amazed by how much you can accomplish when people build genuine relationships grounded in shared values. The work we’ve done at CityBridge has never been a battle—it’s always been a crazy dance. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. 💠 No one is coming to save us—and that's a good thing. We are in a moment of overwhelming challenge for public education. We all want “the answer”… the AI tool, the sweeping policy change, the inspirational leader. But there isn’t a single answer. We have millions of educators, parents, students, elected officials, and public servants who each have a superpower we need right now. We must resist the urge to centralize decision-making, to defer to the technocrats, to wait for some wiser person to arrive with the perfect TED Talk-sized solution. It’s why local work matters. It’s why investing in educators and their ideas matter—especially when they reflect the identities and the perspectives of our kids. It's why we supported 300+ DC leaders and organizations with $11M in capital these past 5 years at CityBridge. It’s just us, team. It’s a thousand solutions that are braver and bolder and more creative than what we’ve been doing. And we can get there together. Thank you for your partnership in this work... today is a day of profound gratitude above all else. More on my next role soon but, for now, taking a few weeks to rest and, hopefully, catch up with many of you. 😊

Such a timely topic in #highereducation and one that is near and dear to my heart. DEI is baked into all our workforce solutions, and a part of our DNA at nextSource. Check out our latest blog below. And if you're attending CUPA-HR at the end of the month message me if you'd like to learn more about how we can help your institution reach its diversity goals. #highereducationleadership #DEI #contingentworkers #workforcemanagement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are more than just buzzwords—they’re essential to the future of higher education. Our latest blog delves into the importance of DEI initiatives and how institutions are adapting to support a diverse workforce. Explore how federal grants and institutional efforts are shaping the landscape, despite challenges and evolving regulations. Learn more about the state of diversity in higher education and how nextSource is helping universities build inclusive environments. Read the full blog here: https://hubs.ly/Q02PLSDD0 #HigherEducation #DEI #DiversityHiring #Inclusion #EducationTrends #WorkforceDiversity

As anti-DEI legislation sweeps across US states, many higher education institutions face significant challenges. Entire DEI offices are closing, policies are changing, and staff are being let go. However, progress on educational equity doesn’t have to stop. At Tidal Equality, we advocate for ‘equitable innovation,’ a strategic approach to decision-making that focuses on reducing unmet needs, biases, and barriers to promote fairness. Equitable innovation is a powerful tool for any decision-maker committed to maintaining momentum on equity. Learn more about how you can apply equitable innovation in your role and explore our Equity Sequence® method—designed to embed equity into every decision-making process. Discover how this approach can be the beacon of progress amid legislative backslides. Let’s continue to create inclusive and thriving educational environments despite the challenges. Now is the time to act. https://lnkd.in/gaPYihUX #HigherEducation #Equity #Inclusion #Leadership #Innovation

After five years, this journalist-turned-academic has her first peer-reviewed publication, and honestly, I believe it says something about leadership and school integration that couldn't have been articulated without the depth and breadth of work it reflects. So many people's thoughts and energy and love are represented in the article. It was published in a journal called "Leadership & Policy in Schools" with two remarkable co-authors, Dr. Allison Roda and Dr. Florence Barbour. Amazingly, I have come full circle from someone who was skeptical of social science research (in large part because of how it often shows up in the "popular media," which, don't even get me started on how that landscape has changed over the past 5+ years!) to someone who is participating in the process—while trying to critically examine and refine/shift process and methodology as I go. Will this article be read? Cited? Have any impact? Who knows. But I know it reflects something that is as accurate and deep as I could make it, principally because of the many different kinds of collaboration it reflects, and that I'm enormously proud of it. I'll share the abstract here. ABSTRACT Long Island has long maintained the most segregated suburban school system in America. In this case study, we used McGhee’s zero sum vs. solidarity dividend framework to qualitatively examine a group of 42 leaders’ perceptions of school segregation on Long Island as well as how they imagined possible solutions. Findings show that most leaders believed that the current system is unfair but unchangeable, and did not put forth possible solutions, nor, crucially, challenge the underlying zero sum, meritocratic status quo. However, we also highlight examples of leaders who espoused the need to create bridges among racially diverse districts and communities, acting in different ways to uplift the ideals of solidarity. We offer a three-part bridging framework that moves from rhetorical bridging, naming disconnectedness and its harms; through worldview bridging, connecting disparate racialized realities; to community bridging, actively stepping into new relationships and shared spaces. This research shows how important community-facing culturally responsive school leadership is when setting the narrative about racial inclusivity and integration, as well as in shaping the policy reform process. Instead of waiting for necessary top-down changes, we argue that leaders must act now to bring worldviews and communities together for the common good.

Boise State University’s commitment to and work with the communities it serves has been nationally recognized. Boise State is one of 40 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. The American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching recently announced this year’s designation recipients. “We recognize these institutions for their exceptional commitment to community engagement, and their work to transform knowledge into meaningful action,” said Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “They exemplify the true spirit of the Carnegie endorsement and the power of serving the public good.” This important classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. The committee looked at programs like Boise State’s Rural Education Collaborative, which helps rural communities meet their educational needs by championing those rural partners and helping them identify and leverage their community strengths. Boise State’s Onramp Program is another example of community leadership, providing educators and learners with experiences regardless of their geography, circumstances or limitations. It addresses gaps in internet access, language barriers, economic differences and teacher availability, which contribute to the underrepresentation of certain segments of our population from study and work across technology fields. “Across our university, we work for Idaho. We engage with businesses, government, schools, community organizations and more to problem-solve together, to develop programs and activities that transcend traditional fields of study, and to create opportunities for our students that prepare them to make immediate positive impacts in their communities,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president. “The path-breaking approaches we are taking continue to earn us national designations and awards. More importantly, they are helping improve the lives of Idahoans all across our state.” The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification has been the leading framework for institutional assessment and recognition of community engagement in U.S. higher education for the past 19 years. Read more: https://lnkd.in/giwNQ55K College of Innovation + Design at Boise State University #BoiseState #CarnegieCE2024

Have you ever wondered how communities can truly transform the landscape of education? As someone deeply immersed in the education sector, I've seen firsthand the power of collective action and grassroots efforts. Communities have a unique potential to drive change, and when we harness this power, we can create meaningful, lasting impacts in education. At the heart of this belief is COSCU Changemakers https://lnkd.in/e_6_wWvj, a decentralized community of educational innovators is spreading across 150 countries. These individuals are not just educators; they are visionaries, activists, and leaders who are committed to reimagining education for the better. Communities like COSCU Changemakers embody the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose. They demonstrate how local efforts, when connected globally, can lead to powerful outcomes. These changemakers are tackling some of the most pressing educational challenges, from reducing inequalities and bridging gender gaps to enhancing the quality of education and making it accessible to all. What makes community-driven initiatives so powerful is their ability to tailor solutions to specific local contexts. Communities understand their unique challenges and strengths, enabling them to create customized strategies that address their needs more effectively than one-size-fits-all approaches. This decentralized model fosters innovation and allows for a diverse range of ideas and solutions to flourish. Moreover, communities provide a support network that empowers individuals to take action. When educators, parents, students, and local leaders come together, they create a rich tapestry of knowledge, experience, and passion. This collective wisdom and energy are crucial for driving educational reforms and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. COSCU Changemakers is a shining example of how decentralized communities can lead the way. By sharing resources, best practices, and success stories, they inspire others and create a ripple effect of positive change. They remind us that while governments and institutions play a critical role, true transformation often begins at the grassroots level. So, how can we support and nurture these community-driven efforts? By listening, collaborating, and providing platforms for these voices to be heard. By recognizing that every community, no matter how small, has the potential to contribute to the global education landscape. Let's keep this conversation going and work together to amplify the incredible efforts of educational changemakers worldwide. Himannshu Sharma COSCU #HimannshuSharma #COSCU #CommunityImpact #EducationReform #COSCUChangemakers #GlobalEducation #LocalAction #SustainableEducation

Our CEO, Kelly Burton, PhD, was recently highlighted in a piece by The Washington Informer, shedding light on the conservative movement's impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within higher education institutions. In the article, Dr. Burton articulates the imperative link between innovation and sustainable equity, underscoring DEI programs' pivotal role in fostering progress. For deeper insights into this vital discourse and Dr. Burton's perspective, explore the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e4-KmMK5 #BlackInnovationAlliance