We all know that public schools can succeed only if they are part of the community. And we also know there are some things that only parents, coaches, civic groups, neighbors, faith-based groups and others can do for our kids. This initiative is based on a simple idea: we must fundamentally change the relationship between communities and schools in order to strengthen public schools and create the kind of community we seek.

We are partnering with the Foundation for Orange County Schools to imbed within their organization and their volunteers the sensibilities and practices to undertake an authentic community engagement process, which will re-strike the social covenant between schools and communities and generate civic and school-based action to achieve people’s aspirations. Through this work, the initiative will spark new civic norms of interaction, conversations, networks and organizations that schools and communities need in order to do their ongoing work.

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