Employers as Action-aries! Launching Successful Sector Partnerships

Workshop Session 1

Session Materials

Brief Abstract

Detailed, step by step processes of successfully launching a sector partnership

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Maria Fieth, MERLOT

Maria Fieth, M.A.2, RTC Maria currently serves as program manager responsible for communications and community building for CSU-MERLOT SkillsCommons. During the last 26 years, Maria has worked with businesses and PK-20 educators providing guidance for refining and sustaining healthy learning and working environments and building partnerships and community among stakeholders. Maria's background in federally funded project management provides a strong backdrop for national level accountability and performance. Her work has received honors for building exemplary educational settings and community partnerships from Kevin Jennings of the U.S. Department of Education and Auburn University among others. Maria holds a dual Master's degree in English and in Education, a Master's degree in Psychodynamics and certifications in Reality Therapy and from the National Institute for School Leadership. She has numerous certifications as national trainer for organizations such as Ruby Payne's Poverty Framework, Olweus Bullying Prevention, Discovery Communication Model, and Crucial Conversations. She and her husband, Andy, have three grown sons, a lovely daughter in-law, and one beautiful grandbaby.

Extended Abstract

Sector Partnerships are Collective Impact models in motion. They require a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and a strong and consistent administrative backbone. Strong sector partnerships view problems as opportunities. They provide a setting where employers are "Action-aries" and a place for education, workforce, community agencies, and employers to set their individual agendas aside and work toward the common good. However...we know that reality says collaboration can be challenging and is not for the weak of heart. This workshop will share a step-by-step approach of how to successfully launch new or strengthen existing sector partnerships. Together, participants will begin to resolve their own barriers in bringing employers to table.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will
1.Gain an understanding of what a successful sector partnership requires.
2.Learn the specific steps for launching a successful sector partnership.
3.Explore ways to incorporate the model into their own settings.

All learner levels invited.