Messaging

Last weekend, I was with several folks (my Peeps) at the Liberated Learners conference. Even though we all belong to the network and subscribe to the same philosophy, every single Center in the network is unique. The most significant variable determining that difference is that we serve a different demographic. In some cases (DRC), wildly different.

Most Liberated Learners Centers are in urban or suburban communities that encounter challenges that require contrasting solutions to what DRC faces with our rural population. This means our messaging within each of those individual communities needs to vary significantly.

Therefore, when asked what DRC's central message is, I immediately said, "safety."  DRC is a safe place for everyone - no matter your gig. Because I often hear that many kids and their parents do not/did not feel secure in their current/former educational environment, it is the most fundamentally human yet profound benefit we can offer.

To put it plainly - if you do not feel safe (emotionally or physically) - you can not learn.

What other concepts should we include in our future messaging?
I have used - flexibility, kindness, supporting curiosity & creativity, and all-inclusive. What am I missing - what do we offer that is unique to the community we serve?

Comment on this blog post or send your thoughts to me directly.

Thank you!

DRC News

Sizzling Summer Bash Craft Fair & Fundraising Event Aug. 10.
We are currently seeking vendors for the Craft Fair - see the info below. Online Registration is here.

Sewer line Repair News

Good news on one of the grants we applied for. We are excited to announce that the Canton Community Fund has approved our request for $2000. We have not received the check yet - we anticipate it in the next week.

We are also waiting to hear about the other grant - hopefully by next week.

In the meantime, you can contribute to the sewer line challenge here. Every dollar brings us closer to getting our kiddos back in the building.

Summer Travel

I am currently in Chicago with my son and his wife. I will leave for the next part of the adventure next Tuesday to arrive in Portland next Friday. You may receive a post next week - depending on energy levels, time, and inspiration.  Again - no promises...

I went rogue (ignored Google Maps Lady) to find a beach on Lake Erie after spending 6 hours driving and before selecting a place to stay on Monday. Despite being an obviously economically depressed area, the town had a very cool library on the beach. They were hosting a beach play time with pails, shovels, and beach toys that kids signed out.  One small child looked at me and asked "Did you make your hair blue?"  My response was, "Yes, yes I did!" His mom looked mortified - but it totally made my day. Kids - being kids - asking questions cause they are genuinely curious.

Penny Lane was happy to greet me on Tuesday when I arrived at my son and daughter-in-law's place in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago.

The fireworks have been intense - but I always enjoy my time in the city. Something folks are often surprised to hear, considering I regularly spend a good portion of my time off-grid in the woods.

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