I love a good scavenger hunt. I’ve planted clues to entice members of Girl Scout troops to visit and learn from landmarks and monuments in Washington DC. In my 20s, a friend and I created an intricate game of clues to be solved by teams of young leaders. The clues led to various sites around their city. It was just as much about community building among the teams of servant leaders as it was about deciphering the clues and winning.
Serving on the board of the Newton Education Foundation has felt similar to me with its “all for one and one for all” energy. I have found myself , joyfully following clues, turning to strangers (now friends!) for directions, and sharing lots of high fives, while uncovering the geography and culture of Newton County.
For me, one of the biggest gifts of board service with NEF has been learning my way around the district and being welcomed at so many schools. Linking up with local neighbors is important and proximity is the easiest way to build community AND the magic of the Newton Education Foundation is that the whole county, large geographically, feels proximate and within reach.
In the nurturing, “can-do”, collaborative arms of NEF, I’ve come to see the county with new eyes. If you just squint a little, the distances collapse. A dotted line of connection exists between geographically far flung elementary schools. I get such a charge hopping in my 2009 Camry Hybrid, finding my way from here to there, and sharing good news between schools. I feel like I could get a job at UPS with my newfound county-wide navigation skills!
As part of my NEF board service, I also read wildly different and innovative applications from teachers applying for NEF grants. Several NEF board members form the review committee and read these applications together, and I can see their supportive comments on our shared spreadsheet. The threads of connection and support for Newton county teachers’ common goals for students are visible in technicolor.
Everywhere I look, I see connection and care. Everywhere I look, I see people following the clues within their sphere of influence in service to all. Everywhere I look, getting there is half the fun because we are moving together.
I would love to invite you, the reader of this guest blog, to join me in the big tent that is the Newton Education Foundation which amazingly, makes our county one big neighborhood – all for one and one for all..
There are so many ways to jump in – here are a few:
Make a one-time or recurring/monthly donation to our All in for Kids Campaign. These recurring gifts add up and allow us to fund more amazing teacher grants.
Consider whether board service is in your future or if you would like to find ways to volunteer your time and skills. Email info@newtoneducationfoundation.org to learn more.
Participate in the Peach Education Tax Credit and keep some of your tax money local (info at newtoneducationfoundation.org/PTC).
Thanks and I’ll see you around the neighborhood!