Bringing a School Community Together

COMMUNITY/CONSENSUS BUILDING

Action Final Project Outline

In order to improve community communication and relationships in a public high school in Chicago, it is important to develop an action plan that incorporates the principles of negotiation put forth by Fisher and Ury. To begin with, it is essential to create a safe and inviting environment where all stakeholders feel welcome to participate in the conversation. This may involve setting up physical space for dialogue, as well as establishing ground rules that encourage respect and open-mindedness. Once a safe space has been created, the next step is to foster a spirit of collaboration among all parties involved. This means working towards a collective vision for the school community and developing a shared understanding of the issues at hand. Finally, it is important to maintain open lines of communication and keep all stakeholders informed throughout the process. By following these steps, it will be possible to improve community communication and relationships in a public high school in Chicago.

I. Problem

a. In a public high school in Chicago, the need for improved community communication and relationships is evident. The student population is racially and ethnically diverse, and many students come from low-income households. They are failing in school and failing to find success after school.

II. Context

a. There is a lot of violence in the community, and some students bring weapons to school.

b. The school district has been cutting back on staff and resources, which has led to larger class sizes and fewer extracurricular activities.

c. As a result, many students feel isolated and disconnected from their peers.

III. Community Challenges

a. Improving community communication and mentorship is the big challenge

b. Improving relationships is essential for creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

IV. Goals for Improvement

a. By building positive relationships with families, educators, and community members, we can work together to address the challenges our students face.

b. Through open communication, we can create a shared understanding of the issues facing our schools (Ury)

c. We can find ways to improve the learning experience for all students.

V. Measuring results

a. Surveys (quantitative analysis)

b. Interviews (qualitative analysis)

c. Focus group direct observation

VI. 4 Activities to help reach the goal

a. Workshops

b. Negotiations

c. Town hall