Entry #35: San Diego groups are
pooling their strengths and capabilities
San Diego, CA -- "Many hands make light work."
Isn't that an old saying? They're making it new in communities surrounding
San Diego. While I have observed collaboration in most communities, the
San Diego area is beginning to do great things through the efforts of many
people.
This past week, EVERYTHING I observed with regard to school programs or
youth opportunities came about as a result of groups both large and small.
The more types of people working together, the greater the impact and results.
Do you think there is a lesson here???
First, let me mention Chula Vista. In this southern suburb of San Diego,
there are numerous challenges to educating youth -- economic hardships,
language barriers and a transient population among them. Yet, when I sat
in the monthly Coordinating Council meeting, I was overwhelmed with the
potential power of the group. Well over 50 folks attended representing all
levels of education, health care, private agencies, social services, law
enforcement -- even the library system.
According to Mary Jo Buettner, a former school nurse turned resource center
director who began this cooperative seven years ago, "If you can get
one committed person in each agency or school, then you can bring about
change." That would include changes such as how, when and where services
are made available. One example is the 40-foot Mobile Health Care Clinic
that travels from school to school, staffed by health care professionals
to provide free initial services to families while connecting them with
long term resources.
The main goal of this type of collaboration is communication. According
to Chula Vista's vision statement, what will occur is a "pooling of
strengths and capabilities, to make positive change in students, families
and the community."
Middle grades after-school programs that work
I found another "pooling" about 10 miles up the freeway, in a
section of town called City Heights. I had read about a middle school extended-day
program that claimed to involve over 400 kids. By now, I have seen many
after-school programs, most with limited success. Upon entering Monroe Clark
Middle School, I found out why this program might be different. Ray Trinidad,
director of XDC (extended day classes) has assembled a crew from YMCA, Boys
and Girls Clubs, San Diego State University and half of the school staff.
Together with other agencies and resources, there are over 30 organizations
contributing time, food, materials and support. Students go first to the
"Academic Learning Center" to work on homework and have a snack,
then go to one of over a dozen XDC classes such as model building, dance,
skateboarding and water polo. Their aim is to combine academic assistance
with fun and they seem to be doing a pretty good job.
Similarly, I was impressed by the Linda Vista Leaders, a program operating
out of Montgomery Middle School to develop youth leadership and involve
kids in positive ways in their community. Funded through the State Criminal
Justice Office, the Leaders program is one of the inventions of the Linda
Vista Collaborative, a 60-member organization in the area. I observed the
6th, 7th and 8th graders giving reports of their activities and making decorations
for the upcoming celebration. Throughout this year, they have cleaned up
a beach, planted trees, sold snacks and photographed many citizens in the
area for a photo exhibit showcased at the San Diego Art Institute.
Finally, I would like to mention one last "concrete" example of
the power of combined efforts. Our family was invited to visit the George
Barnes Family Tennis Center in San Diego. Ian and Tyler (like any other
8-18 year olds) were able to play tennis on one of 24 beautiful courts,
for FREE. Almost 50 years ago, a group of people in this area wanted to
make the game of tennis and all of its enrichments available to all kids.
The group of 21 grew to include over 290 contributors that built and now
run this 12-acre facility and provide over 5,000 youth a chance to learn
and play.
In the after school program at various sites around the county, the group
now called Youth Tennis San Diego instructs kids from over 50 schools. For
most of those in the instructional program and all that visit the main center,
there is no cost. They even loaned the boys a racket and tennis balls!
Of course, all of these efforts have come about over several years and with
much effort. It does take time to determine the needs, focus on a vision,
count the cost and pool those resources. While school personnel have little
extra time to give, their involvement with the key agencies and people around
them is essential to insure the success of our youth. I only have two hands,
but when I get back to Bothell, one of them will be joining together with
others to see what we can get done.
Final stop, Colorado Springs. See you in 2 weeks. Darrell
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