Our Voices, our Schools - November 2009
This month we interviewed Sunshine Dixon, REAP, Inc (Reaching and Empowering All People) Board Chair and Community Organizer for Urban League of Portland.
We know that parent and community involvement can make a big impact on the lives of students. What suggestions do you have for schools that want to increase their engagement?
Weave community involvement into the fabric of their education. Offer the students a chance to engage, and circle back around to find out what they discovered through those activities. REAP does an outstanding job of providing hands-on opportunities for their students to be civically engaged. Recently they volunteered to staff the tables at the Oregon Statesman Dinner, work the doors at the OAME trade show, and to be greeters and runners for the Urban League Equal Opportunity Dinner. Each time they volunteer our students are encouraged to share their plans for the future with as many adults as they come in contact with and ask for business cards. I watched two Lincoln High students funnel through a crowd of business leaders gathered for the Portland Business Journal Awards Luncheon not too long ago. After just two hours at this luncheon these two students had shared their goals and aspirations with several groups of people and collected over 54 business cards before they head back to class at Lincoln for the day. I am so proud watching our students time after time lay out their plans for college and a life after to leaders in our community. REAP is bringing up leaders who are not afraid to take on roles now that will equip them for life.
You are currently REAP's Board Chair. What drew you to REAP?
I saw an article about the REAP Challenge held at Grant High School years ago. I was impressed both by the students responses in the article as well as the staff. I called Mark Jackson the next day and set up a meeting with him. I offered to volunteer for REAP once my schedule calmed down; I was working for the United Way at the time and we were heavy into campaign season. Since that first meeting I have loved every aspect of my involvement with this program. I have been an event and classroom speaker, staff trainer, consultant, and now Board Chair.
I personally think ALL students are Talented and Gifted. Programs and staffs, like the team at REAP, take the time to help students realize their talents and gifts. Exposing students to opportunities and seasoned professionals in a variety of industries allows students to recognize their value, their worth, and slowly start believing that they can make a valuable contribution to society at any age.
What does the statement, "students need to posses 21st century skills" mean to you?
They need information and communication skills, critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity. They need an abundance of interpersonal and self-direction skills, the ability to collaborate and to be accountable. I think they need a sense of social responsibility and, in today's world, a Global awareness is essential. Through the REAP program I see our students developing business literacy, and [del developing] entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options.
