U-46 invites parents, community members to make a change

Parents and others in the community looking for ways to become involved in public education in Elgin Area School District U-46 are invited to participate in a community organizing workshop designed to empower and equip supporters of the school, district or community to bring about positive change.

“Building Leaders in Your Community,” hosted by the district’s Citizens’ Advisory Council, will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the library at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive. Chicago-based Community Organizing and Family Issues will lead small group leadership sessions and connect U-46 participants with parents who have made differences in their communities.

Community leaders from U-46’s two parent leadership institutes also will meet with participants.

The organization currently works with the Kane County Health Department and U-46 on the Gimme Five early childhood education campaign, which seeks to prepare every child for kindergarten.

“This is not anything new. We’re just going back to basics and recognizing that everyone brings strengths to the process,” said Laurel Bault, a member of the Citizens’ Advisory Council and a community organizer. “Hopefully we can cast a broader vision for education and move things forward.”

While Bault said strategies that work in Chicago may not work for Elgin, there are aspects that could adapt to fit the needs and goals of U-46.

“We all have a responsibility for public education, our children and communities,” Bault said. “People want to play a positive role in moving us forward and recognize the need for stronger community involvement.”

The event is free and those interested in participating can call Laurel Bault at (224) 587-3611.