Melissa McGann Cilley’s Post

I followed the link to send a message about saving AmeriCorps programing. Using it, you will be able to put in your location and the website, Voices for National Service, will generate your U.S. House & Senate legislators. The site will give you a pre-written letter. I edited and sent my message as follows: ***As your constituent, I am writing to ask you to provide $1.5 billion for the AmeriCorps Operating Accounts and National Service Trust Fund in FY25. I served two terms with an AmeriCorps program called FoodCorps. My service site was Cedarville Elementary School in Cedarville, AR. I was able to increase the capacity of their school garden program, introduce kids to healthy foods, and gain professional development for myself in my service. I helped maintain the school garden, wrote grants for that the school could use, taught around 429 hands on lessons, and offered cafeteria and classsroom taste tests. When the school shut down due to COVID restrictions, I helped keep the school garden in accessible to students and their families. I helped distribute school meals during those unknown times and helped connect families with SNAP applications. When the school reopened, I was in the cafeteria two hours each school day helping their cafe staff sanitize between each group of students to comply with COVID regulations. Building the school's capacity through my service made a difference for this Arkansas school and myself as well as my family. I hope you will support $1.5 billion for AmeriCorps in FY25 so our community can continue to count on AmeriCorps for help where it’s needed most.*** You can do this, too, even if you've never served in an AmeriCorps position. It's important because these roles build capacity in the sites in which they serve as well as offer experience to those trying to start new careers.

Did you know that 37% of 4th graders in the United States read “below basic” according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In simple terms, reading at a “below basic” level means you cannot read. Did you know that according to the National Adult Literacy Survey, 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a fourth-grade level? (National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 2003). You can register to watch an important film about the literacy crisis in America on February 1st for free in honor of Black History Month. There is a small banner at the top of this webpage where you can register. This issue is very dear to my heart. We have to do better. Reading well is essential for a high quality of life. #scienceofreading #righttoreadfilm @righttoreadfilm

Conflict is an opportunity for positive change? Conflict causes stress and mistrust, and tears apart families, friends, and even communities, doesn't it? Nothing good comes from conflict, right? The truth is all too often nothing good does come out of conflict, but it doesn't have to be that way. When we argue it can be hard to listen to what others are saying because we are too busy thinking about how to convince them we are right and they are wrong. But what would happen if we chose instead to listen carefully? When we listen, we work together to build a foundation for positive change and can solve problems that may have seemed insurmountable alone. Learn the tools to help harness the power of Conflict. Join us for our 2-Part in-person workshop on March 20 and 27th, Conflict as an Opportunity for Positive Change, offered through the Nauset Adult and Community Education program in Orleans. To register, visit Nauset Schools at https://lnkd.in/ea6V3tTp. #mediation #mediationtraining #adr #alternativedisputeresolution

What causes are you supporting tomorrow during #401gives? Here are my top 3: 1. The Latino Policy Institute 2. Community Prep School 3. Read to Succeed

Today’s Pre-Election Clinic workshop session with Jason Craige Harris began with an invitation to consider that we are all in pursuit of community. Jason shared a powerful quote by Charles Vogel: "I define a community as a group of individuals who share a mutual concern for one another. Community is about care, belonging, and the relationships that sustain us through the challenges of life. It is not just about proximity or shared interests, but about the bonds that form when people are committed to supporting each other." This insight is a profound reminder that community transcends physical spaces or common interests—it’s about the deep connections and relationships that sustain us. As AISNE (Association of Independent Schools in New England) moves through the first week of our 2024-2025 event programming, we are excited to gather 360+ attendees from 95+ schools across New England. Together, we will take time to become more deeply connected, continue to strengthen the bonds that define our AISNE community, and support one another through shared experiences and mutual care. Here’s to building a community where everyone belongs and is supported. #Community #AISNE #Belonging #Support #SharedExperiences #Education

Request for Action - AmeriCorps Decreasing Polarization by Increasing Harmony In Our Communities Across America Your help please for the good of the common good. Our youth and young adults need to learn the importance and meaning of the word harmony outside of the music genre. In response to AmeriCorps CEO's statement that his third objective is "decreasing polarization" I have contacted the AmeriCorps Building Bridges Days of Service Director, asking if AmeriCorps would you be willing to promote, encourage, and foster the Harmony In Our Communities Across America concept. Decreasing Polarization - In CEO Michael Smith's AmeriCorps webinar of 01/11/2022 he pointed out that of his three major objective/focal points. The third being: #3. Decreasing Polarization Which to us means: #3 Increasing Harmonization (The action or process of making an attitude consistent and compatible.) This nation was founded by Harmonious Communities. An increase in an attitude of harmony must come before there can be a decrease in polarization and an increase in unity. We need to teach our children the meaning and importance of harmony outside the music room. A "Harmony In Our Communities Across America" AmeriCorps program in your state would contribute to changing attitudes and decreasing polarization in our nation?   We are seeking volunteers willing to promote, encourage and foster Harmony In Our Communities Across America, send us a message if you are willing to help.

Gino Wickman 's Traction argues that businesses are far more likely to succeed when all stakeholders can clearly see the values and objectives. This is true for schools too. In schools, this translates into defining a shared mission, vision, and core values that guide decision-making at all levels. They are shared by all. Educators, administrators, staff, and volunteer leadership can work together cohesively toward a shared goal, whether it's improving student outcomes, fostering a culture of innovation, enhancing community engagement, or all of the above.

🚨 Must-Read for Those Committed to Saving Our Youth 🚨 Dive into the poignant story of Kenny in our latest article. It's a tale that unfolds the harsh realities of how young boys in urban communities can be lured into the destructive world of pimping and prostitution. Kenny’s journey from a bullied child to a life on the streets serves as a crucial wake-up call. Discover why early childhood prevention education is not just essential, but a lifeline for at-risk males. Learn about innovative tools like the Walk With Me Impact curriculum and a forthcoming coloring book designed to steer these young minds away from dangerous paths. This isn't just a story. It's a movement towards empowering youth with the right knowledge and choices. Join us in turning the tide against negative media influence and guiding our youth towards brighter futures. Read more and be part of the change. #HumanSexTraffickingAwarnessMonth #PreventionEducation #WalkWithMeImpact #EarlyIntervention #PositiveChange #UrbanCommunities

Community schools offer a support system for students, their families, and the wider community. We talked to Sara Haas and other #principals about what makes these schools so important. Check out the three key lessons we learned on our blog: https://bit.ly/4bwnEfR #EdLeadership

Compassion begins with seeing others in distress. Moved inwardly, we can choose to act in ways that reduce the suffering. "At Andrews University, we aspire to be a community known for our unwavering compassion, for consistently reaching out and caring for our students, for our community, and for one another" (AU President John W Taylor V). What are the other 6 Andrews University core values? Learn more at the link: https://lnkd.in/gs3GpsCp #AndrewsUniversityOnline #OnlineLearning #AndrewsCoreValues