Project Urban School Adoption

Who can participate?

• Individuals
• Congregations
• Community Organizations
• Service Clubs
• Colleges and Universities
• Businesses

WHY PARTNER WITH A SCHOOL?

• To invest in a child’s future.
• To encourage and empower families. 
• To help schools meet the needs of their students.
• To address the equity gap common to urban public schools.
• To support teachers and staff.
• To put faith in action.
• To share a skill.
• To get to know a community.
• Because you can make a difference in a child’s life!

What questions should you ask yourself before adopting a school?
The success of your Adopt-A-School experience requires both your enjoyment of the service you give and adherence to the commitment you make. Ask yourself these questions before deciding to volunteer:

• How much time can we commit?
• Are we willing to participate in a training course or do we want to start volunteering immediately?
• What talents or skills would we like to offer?

How do you get started?
Once you have decided to adopt a school, where do you begin?

Here are some guidelines:

1. Identify a school.  In consultation with Faith Network, identify an urban school.
2. Learn about the school.  Learn as much as you can about the school you have chosen to serve.  The understanding you develop for the school and its context will help you plan effectively.  Visit the school district’s web site and identify existing community services directed at the school.
3. Assess strengths and needs.  Communicate with the school principal and staff to assess the areas of strength as well as the places of need.  Your goal is to listen to the priorities expressed by the school, which may involve needed services, encouragement, and/or resources. 
   
4. Identify a liaison.  If you are a congregation or community group, identify the person(s) responsible for managing your partnership.  This person(s) will serve as the primary liaison between your organization and the school you select, to help assure a successful partnership.  This liaison will work closely with Faith Network and school staff to ensure that the necessary elements of the program are in place before you begin.           
5. Plan for action.  Develop a plan that responds to the prioritized needs you have identified.  This may involve a calendar of events, activities, and programs.  Let the principal and/or school contact review and approve your plan of action. Once approved, you may begin implementing the plan at your partner school! 
   

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