Judith O’Connor Memorial Scholarship

BoardSource, the leading national provider of resources related to exceptional nonprofit boards, is proud to announce that I have been selected as one of 15 national 2013 Judith O’Connor Scholars!  More from their press release, below.

The Judith O’Connor scholarships enable emerging nonprofit leaders to participate in the annual BoardSource Leadership Forum. The Forum, November 7-8, 2013, in Los Angeles, provides the Scholars with opportunities to advance their leadership skills, learn about progressive practices in good governance, and interact with nonprofit sector leaders from across the country. 

The Judith O’Connor Memorial Fund was created to honor the legacy of the late Judith O’Connor, former BoardSource president and chief executive officer. Judy firmly believed that citizens working together to address community issues are the very essence of a vibrant, democratic society. She was committed to strengthening the ability of the nonprofit sector to serve as a vehicle for engaging all citizens in civic life. Her passionate advocacy for building effective nonprofit boards touched nonprofit leaders around the world.

“We were pleased with the extremely competitive pool of applicants this year,” said Anne Wallestad, BoardSource president and chief executive officer. “I know Judy would be honored to have her legacy live on through the outstanding achievements and backgrounds of this year’s Scholars.”

The BoardSource Leadership Forum is the only national conference focused on the impact of nonprofit boards and the unique role they play in advancing the public good. Every year, approximately 700 nonprofit leaders from around the world gather with an impressive array of experts to discuss the newest thinking and practices in nonprofit governance and solutions to current leadership issues.

Chronic Absenteeism - It Adds Up

Guest Blog by Alison Courtney.  Alison was a summer 2013 education fellow at Civic Enterprises and is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the College of William and Mary.  She can be reached at macourtney@email.wm.edu.

September is just around the corner, which means it’s back to school for about 215 million students across the country.[i] Imagine what the month of September could look like for them, with school experiences as diverse as they are.  I’m thinking of  John, a math-loving 5^th grader.  During the first week of September, John has an afternoon doctor’s appointment so his mom will take him out of class for half the day.  Mom’s not too concerned; John will have an excused absence so he won’t get in trouble…and he needs to stay healthy, right?  The following week, John’s dad’s car breaks will break down on the way to school, so John will spend the morning with him at the mechanics before getting to school for the afternoon.  The last week of the month, John and his family will take off Friday to enjoy a long weekend visiting John’s grandparents.  That will be a whole month of school, and only a few excused absences along the way.

Now let’s apply some math that John will be learning in his 5^th grade class.  There are 4 school weeks in the month and 5 school days each week, totaling 20 school days in September.  With the half-day lost for the doctor’s appointment, half-day lost for the car problem, and a full day lost for the family vacation, John will miss a total of 2 days of school.  Not bad, you might think.  In actuality, it is bad.  John will miss 10 percent of in-school time, including access to academic, social, and emotional learning opportunities.

Missing 10 percent or more of school for any reason—excused or unexcused—is actually an indication that a student is academically at risk.[ii] And, important for John’s little sisters and brothers, chronic absence linked to academic trouble isn’t just a secondary school problem—it can start as early as kindergarten and pre-kindergarten.[iii]

Now, John may have family members, friends, or mentors who will make sure he reads or does math problems while in the doctor’s waiting room, at the mechanics, or on his Grandpa’s lap, but even if that is the case, chronic absenteeism is a strong indication that a student will experience academic trouble and eventually drop out of high school.[iv]

Nationwide, as many as 10-15 percent of students (7.5 million) miss nearly a month of school every year.[v]  That’s 135 million days of lost time in the classroom.  In some cities, as many as 1 in 4 students are missing that much school.[vi]  For students without strong out-of-school academic supports, those who miss 10 percent face even greater risk of falling off the track to graduate.  They may be more likely to miss additional days of school due to barriers such as lack of access to health care, poor transportation, or not having a safe path to school.

This September, things could be different for John and the millions of other students across the country who are chronically absent.  The first-ever Attendance Awareness Month, sponsored by Attendance Works in partnership with America’s Promise Alliance, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Civic Enterprises, Points of Light and is supported by a growing list of other national partners, aims to rally communities around the importance of attendance and its role in academic achievement.  People are sharing their activities on Attendance Works’ Community Action Map as well as running PSA’s, writing op-eds, and posting on social media sites.  The Count Us In! Toolkit is a great resource, providing ideas for getting involved in Attendance Awareness Month.  For example, students at a school in Oakland, California created a video about how students can achieve their goals tomorrow if they attend school today.  In New York City, Mayor Bloomberg launched an attendance initiative in 2010 that has already significantly reduced chronic absence in its pilot schools.  The initiative, Every Student, Every Day, relies on data tracking, school attendance committees and Success Mentors who work with students at risk of dropping out.[vii]    

This September, help John and other chronically absent students achieve in school by spreading the word about the importance of attending school every day!  You can learn more at Attendance Works, or visit BoostUp to use a new tool that allows you to chart the effect of missing school.  

---

[i] United States Census Bureau (2011, October). School Enrollment. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2011/tables.html

[ii] Balfanz, R., Byrnes, V. (2012, May). The Importance of Being in School: A Report on Absenteeism in the Nation’s Public Schools. Retrieved from http://new.every1graduates.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/FINALChronicAbsenteeismReport_May16.pdf and Chang, H., Leong, C. (2013, May 24). Early Intervention Matters: How Addressing Chronic Absence Can Reduce Dropout Rates. Retrieved from http://www.attendanceworks.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Early-Intervention-NDPC-SD-webinar-FINAL-5-24-13.pdf

[iii] Chang

[iv] Balfanz

[v] Balfanz

[vi] Chang

[vii] Attendance Works, America’s Promise Alliance, Civic Enterprises, Points of Light, and the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (2013, July). Count Us In! Working Together to Show That Every School Day Matters. Retrieved from http://www.attendanceworks.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/AAM-toolkit-2.0-FINAL.pdf

A Stronger Grad Nation

Originally published on July 3, 2013 in the Huffington Post. Co-authored by John Bridgeland and Mary Bruce

As another graduation season comes to a close, there is cause for celebration. The most recent graduation data show that for the first time the nation is on pace to reach a 90 percent high school graduation rate by the Class of 2020. This is a goal four U.S. presidents have set and three have missed, so far. While we have not achieved this milestone, this recent progress has put us on a course to do so and, as a result, future graduation seasons can be even better.

More impressive, the pace of progress in boosting high school graduation rates increased in the second half of the last decade, right at a time when graduating from high school was becoming more challenging. This is good news and cause for hope as Common Core State Standards start to take hold in America's classrooms.

But our challenges haven't disappeared. If anything, they've become more urgent, and if not addressed, will affect millions of young people, society, and our economy. Today in America,nearly one million school-aged children are not finishing high school with their peers. For African-American, Hispanic and limited English proficient students, as well as students with disabilities, the challenge is even greater, with many states graduating only 66 percent of students or less each year. In some states, the graduation gaps between students of different backgrounds can be as large as 50 percentage points.

With more than half of all new jobs in the next decade requiring some post-secondary education, getting a high school diploma is a minimal requirement for a successful and productive life. Yet, this summer, between 10 and 20 percent of American high school students planning on attending college won't make it to campus in the fall. Of those who do, one in three will require remedial courses and of those who enrolled in a four-year institution, only three in five will complete a degree within six years.

Commencement season is the perfect time to celebrate how far we've come, while still recognizing how much further we have to go. We know what to do, and we know where to focus. We have examples of schools, districts, and states that are making tremendous gains. Evidence-based solutions exist to keep students on track to graduate from high school with the academic and social and emotional skills to succeed in college, work, and civic life. Especially within the dropout factory schools, data systems are helping identify which students need which types of targeted interventions to get back on track to graduate -- so that these students get the supports they need, when they need them. We need more schools and districts to adopt this framework.

With a continued commitment to increasing high school graduation rates and preparing students for future success, we not only pave the way for future generations, but honor current graduates and the communities that supported them to success.

John Bridgeland, CEO of Civic Enterprises, and Mary Bruce, Senior Policy Advisor at Civic Enterprises are co-authors of the 2013 annual report "Building a Grad Nation: Progress and Challenge in Ending the High School Dropout Epidemic" along with Robert Balfanz and Joanna Hornig Fox of the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Education.

EXTRA! EXTRA! National Service News Roundup

There's been a lot in the news lately about national service.  Here's a research, report, and news roundup.  Thanks to Diana Epstein of the AmeriCorps Alums National Advisory Council for putting it together.

Research and reports:

(1) CNCS study on volunteering and employment: http://www.cns.gov/impact-our-nation/research-and-reports/volunteering-pathway-employment-report

(2) Franklin Project Plan of Action: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/21st-century-national-service-system-plan-action

(3) Voters' perspectives on national service: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/voters-national-service-perspectives-american-voters-large-scale-national-service

News stories:

(4) Ben Duda and Mary Bruce in HuffPo on AmeriCorps Alums: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-duda/lets-leverage-our-nationa_b_3511258.html

(5) Rick Stengel in TIME - Service is a Silver Bullet: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2145991,00.html#ixzz2WqUd4exs

(6) Joe Klein in TIME - Can Service Save Us?: http://nation.time.com/2013/06/20/can-service-save-us/

(7) Michael Gerson in Washington Post - National Service Can Heal a Divided Nation: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/michael-gerson-national-service-can-heal-a-divided-nation/2013/06/24/e1bbc470-dce4-11e2-9218-bc2ac7cd44e2_story.html

(8) Bridgeland and Khazei in Politico- National Service is Key to National Strength: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/national-service-is-key-to-national-strength-93069.html#ixzz2WsTH98NT
(9) Arianna Huffington in HuffPo - National Service, the Ultimate Shovel-Ready Infrastructure Project:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/franklin-project-national-service_b_3492226.html

(10) More Franklin news pieces listed here: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/node/13623

Let's Leverage Our National Investment in AmeriCorps to Build Civic Leadership

Originally published on the Huffington Post on July 1, 2013. 

by Ben Duda and Mary Bruce

Since AmeriCorps was launched 20 years ago, nearly 1 million Americans have served, working to address our nation's most pressing challenges. They've tutored in our toughest schools, provided emergency relief services after tornadoes and hurricanes and helped veterans get connected to employment opportunities.

Many of these AmeriCorps members directly link their success today with their service experience. Kellie managed volunteers during a disaster and now works on a global crisis management team for a major retailer. Traymone was a wildlands firefighter while in AmeriCorps and uses those same teamwork and leadership skills in managing military veterans in service. And Katie tutored young people and is now working in corporate philanthropy, guiding a Silicon Valley technology firms' employee volunteering program.

These individuals were "made in AmeriCorps" and, each day, they continue to make America stronger.

Sadly, their experience is not universal. Many AmeriCorps alums are having a tough time finding a job. One alum served a successful term with a small town mayor, increasing resource allocations to communities in need. He's now working shifts at a pizza joint. Another, who managed teams of volunteers retrofitting homes to higher energy efficiency standards, has been searching for a job for more than six months.

These individuals were "made in AmeriCorps," too, but they're not making it. They have skills that employers say they want but can't find - in problem solving, teamwork and project management - and yet they can't find a job.

A McKinsey survey of 2,000 U.S. companies found that two-thirds report difficulty in filling job vacancies because applicants have unsuitable work habits or insufficient experience. AmeriCorps alums - who have demonstrated dedication, commitment and skills - could help fill this gap. Yet there is no system connecting national service alumni with employers most in need of new talent.

We at AmeriCorps Alums are working toward a solution by launching bold new partnerships and programs to strengthen the pipeline of leadership. We're making increased investments in professional development initiatives for alums, including adding a career coach to the national team.

We recently launched an "Employers of Service" campaign to celebrate public, private and nonprofit employers that actively support the recruitment, hiring and professional development of AmeriCorps Alums.

We announced a partnership this week with BoardSource to target and train women and people of color as prospective board members for local nonprofits.

We're also calling on the federal government to extend hiring preferences to all full-time national service members. And, to help Alums continue to develop their skills, we're calling on institutions of higher education to join the more than 100 colleges that already match the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that all alums receive.

AmeriCorps Alums isn't in this alone. The Peace Corps recently launched Career Link, a job board that carries on the proud, 50-year tradition of connecting returned Peace Corps volunteers with post-service career and education opportunities. New Politics (founded by an AmeriCorps alum) is working to elevate national service alums to political office, and the Veteran's Campaign (founded by a veteran) is a similar initiative focused on veterans.

The nearly 1 million AmeriCorps alums nationwide are uniquely positioned to be the nation's 21st century civic leaders. They've demonstrated their commitment. They've cultivated their talents. They're hungry to lead. Now we must leverage our investment to pave the way for continued service to community and country.

Ben Duda is executive director of AmeriCorps Alums. He is a two-term AmeriCorps alum. Mary Bruce is chair of the AmeriCorps Alums National Advisory Council. She is an alum of both AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.

This post is part of a collaboration between The Huffington Post and The Aspen Institute, in which a variety of thinkers, writers and experts will explore the most pressing issues of our time. For more posts from this partnership, click here. For more information on The Aspen Institute, click here.

From Service to Politics

This past Tuesday, I was thrilled to welcome fellow Returned Peace Corps volunteer Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III to speak at “From Service to Politics.” Hosted by Service Nation, New Politics, AmeriCorps Alums, and George Washington University's Center for Second Service, this event brought together service veterans from the civilian and military sectors to ignite a discussion about transitioning from service to elected office. My welcoming remarks from this inspiring event are below.

I’m pleased to introduce fellow Returned Peace Corps volunteer, Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III.  Following in the footsteps of my father, all four of my uncles, & cousin who were all in the military, I chose to serve our country with AmeriCorps in the D.C. public schools. I took the AmeriCorps pledge seriously, service “this year & beyond.” So, I later joined the PeaceCorps in Morocco, and served in the youth development sector.  I now work as Senior Education Advisor at Civic Enterprises and serve as Chair of the AmeriCorps Alums National Advisory Council. I truly believe in the power of national service - the power of those who serve - to strengthen their communities, the nation, the world - this year & beyond. Which is why I'm so pleased to introduce the Congressman, who represents Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District. 

I actually just learned that the Congressman and I served at the same time, from 2004 to 2006. So, while I was in Morocco, the Congressman served with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic doing community development work which led to more jobs, better wages, and higher safety and environmental standards.

What’s so remarkable to me is that the Congressman’s service neither started, nor ended in that rural village. In law school --  he's a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law -- he volunteered with legal aid.  He worked to improve the living conditions of low-income tenants in the Boston area.  He served as Assistant District Attorney in MA.  During his campaign, he actually coordinated service projects throughout his district.  This week, his offices hosted a Service Academy Night for all 4th District high school rising seniors to learn about a pathway to service through the military. 

In his speech at a City Year event earlier this year, the Congressman explained, one person can make a difference -  not just through the big heroic things, but the small constant commitments. 

Congressman Kennedy, you are making a difference - through the big heroic things, and the small constant commitments.  You're a hero, every day, through your work as a Congressman, but also a leader & a model of a national service alum who chose politics as a critical path to strengthen communities, our nation, and our world.  As we say in Morocco, shurkran bsaf, marhaba. Thank you, and welcome Congressman Kennedy!

Peace Corps Connect June Featured Advocate

Originally published in Peace Corps Connect on Friday, June 7th, 2013, by Guest Contributor

During the upcoming Stand for Service mobilization at the U.S. Capitol on June 19th, at least one participant will have the dual distinction of service in both the Peace Corps (Morocco, 2004-2006) and AmeriCorps (Washington, D.C., 1999-2000).  According to Mary Bruce, these two groups “represent the best of America – hardworking, skilled, enthusiastic Americans eager to embrace the idea of ‘big citizenship’.”

In Afourer, Morocco, where I
served in the Peace Corps.

Inspired by her father and cousin’s service in the Marines, Mary always knew she wanted to give back to her country. She also needed extra financial support for college, so she signed up for AmeriCorps. She served as a teacher’s aide in D.C. Public Schools in partnership with the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C., where she continues to volunteer today.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Mary joined the Peace Corps in Morocco to better understand the Arab Muslim world. There, she supported various community projects, from small business development to latrine construction.  Like her time with AmeriCorps, Mary also worked at a youth center.

Despite the vastly different settings, Mary found many similarities between her service experiences in Washington, D.C. and Morocco. “You’re often working in situations where flexibility, creativity, and tenacity are the keys to success. You’re developing an incredibly useful and unique set of 21st century skills while also working to address some of the toughest problems on the planet.”

Mary’s past service has shaped her present, both professionally and as a citizen advocate.  Professionally, Mary serves as the Senior Education Advisor at Civic Enterprises, overseeing the organization’s education policy portfolio.  This includes working with the Civic Marshall Plan Leadership Council, which brings together more than 40 leading national partners to support the Grad Nation goal of 90 percent high school graduation rate by 2020.

As a volunteer leader and citizen advocate, Mary serves as Chair of the National Advisory Council of AmeriCorps Alums, one of the lead organizations planning the Capitol Hill action.  “These opportunities helped me hone my skill set and refine my career path – all while making positive and lasting contributions to my community.”

We congratulate Mary’s dual-dedication to serving America and invite members of the Peace Corps community in the Washington area to join her at the Stand for Service event on the morning of June 19th!