Strengthening Our Network Connections Beyond Meetings
Written by Network Facilitators Anna Schmidt and Greg Jacob
To re-engage members, we (Gregory Jacob III and Anna Schmidt- the new Network Facilitators), have been reaching out through various channels—within workgroups, through network-wide communications, and through individual check-ins. We have also been collecting data to better understand how members identify themselves within the scope of our networks. A common response has been, "I am dedicated to the work, but my attendance will be sporadic." As a team, our backbone staff are working to identify a resource for online communication and data sharing so that all network members can participate in important conversations even if they cannot attend network meetings. To strengthen our connections, we plan to visit members at their organizations to celebrate the incredible work they’re doing. So, network members, if you see us drop by, don’t be alarmed—we’re just there to say hello and show our support!
Driving the Work Forward
Prenatal to Age 3 Network
Our networks continue to make remarkable strides in addressing key challenges and creating opportunities for growth. The Prenatal to Age Three Network has identified a critical gap in prenatal care in Rochester. To address this issue, we’ve identified the strategy of increasing doula and peer support in the communities most affected by lack of prenatal care. Our network has recently gathered valuable feedback on our strategy and has begun to build out the tactic for carrying out our plan. This collaborative approach ensures that our solution is effective and truly responsive to the needs of local families.
This data drives the work of the Prenatal to Age 3 Network. Explore data informing our other networks at c2cmn.com/how-we-are-doing!
Transition 2 Kindergarten Network
The Transition 2 Kindergarten Network is making significant progress with the Early Childhood Resource Hub (ECRH). We’ve gathered resources for families to access regarding childcare, learning experiences, and family systems all in one place. We are in the process of sharing this resource hub with the community. To boost awareness, we're developing a comprehensive print and digital media campaign. The network created flyers in four languages to post throughout Rochester. ECRH website visits spiked in February after releasing only the English version! We’re excited to see the website's reach grow once our translation work is complete.
Our Successful Learner Equation Learner Equation workgroup is now analyzing data collected from a survey sent out to Rochester families asking for feedback regarding access to early childhood learning opportunities in the community. This data is crucial to informing our approach to supporting early learning with ready families, ready communities, and ready schools.
Network Facilitators Anna and Greg kick off the T2K Network meeting.
T2K network members and C2C staff analyze flyers created to advertise the Early Childhood Resource Hub. The flyers are in English, Somali, Arabic, and Spanish.
T2K Network members and C2C staff discuss the creation of a survey to poll community members in the early childhood education space.
High School Network
Our High School Graduation Network, along with Beth Martinez, our Community Advocacy Manager, has been hosting highly successful scholarship and grant application events, helping students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and access vital financial aid for their post-secondary education. Additionally, our Xello (a college and career readiness software used by students K-12) workgroup is actively working to identify promising job opportunities with major employers in the Rochester community. By connecting graduates with mentors in these fields, we’re fostering career pathways and strengthening local workforce development. Do you have a need for entry-level help at your business? Send us an email, and we can help you get started!
Our Networks have been diligently working on tactics chosen over the past year. It's exciting when I get to participate in their work from a communications perspective. When communications gets involved, it means the tactics have something tangible to share with the community! This past quarter, I've been working with several tactics: the Early Childhood Resource Hub (ECRH) workgroup from the Transition 2 Kindergarten Network, the Xello work-based learning workgroup from the High School Network, and developing tactics for the Prenatal to Age 3 workgroup.
C2C FAFSA Completion Workshops happen throughout the year! Visit C2Cmn.com/college to see which event you can attend.
High School Network members check in virtually this week to accommodate flexing school schedules. They shared their best drawing of spring! 3/25/25