Did you know that, on average, out of the 6,000 waking hours children have, only 1,000
of those hours are spent in school? That is 5,000 hours that students have outside of
school; at home, in their neighborhoods, in libraries, in faith communities, at the local
convenience store, at friends’ houses, at parks, and so many other places where there
is an opportunity to support and invest in students.
In July, our community organizing team had the opportunity to speak with the staff at
Communities in School about how important it is to involve the community in supporting
students at schools. We also had the chance to share practical tools to strengthen
partnerships with the community, starting with building relationships to share about the
importance of collaboration so that there is a shared goal to see students succeed.
It is crucial for communities to collaborate, often playing a vital role in the lives of
students. If collaboration happens and there is buy-in with recognizing the strengths that
everyone brings to the table, a shared responsibility grows in all the involved parties.
When students are surrounded by adults who care, local places that welcome them,
and neighbors who know their names, they begin to feel a real sense of belonging. This
sense of connection can make all the difference in their growth, resilience, and ability to
reach their goals.
And students are just one piece of the puzzle to invest in. We all have a role to play in
creating strong, supportive communities. When we invest in our surrounding community,
we create welcoming, warm, and thriving spaces for all. That investment includes
getting to know our neighbors, supporting local businesses, attending neighborhood
association meetings, and simply showing up for one another. By engaging with the
people and places around us, we strengthen the fabric of our community. Our
investment in students becomes part of a larger commitment to building neighborhoods
where everyone feels seen, valued, and equipped to thrive.
