Transformation Waco (TW) and Grassroots Community Development presented at the National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference in Los Angeles in early June.
Executive Director of Student Advocacy Sarah Pedrotti, Alta Vista Elementary School (AVE) Principal Lindsey Klein Helton, AVE Family Support Specialist Will Ward, AVE Parent Cynthia Frias, and Grassroots Community Organizer Elise Jones spoke about building power in communities.
The group shared successful grassroots organizing techniques that TW, Grassroots and Alta Vista have used to increase family voice and engagement. Strategies included building a core team of parents and staff who plan and advise administration on a range of issues, expanding student-led parent/teacher conferences, improving communications between parents and teachers, and fostering a welcoming experience on campus.
