Catching Up!

We've missed posting to Montessori Forward. So much has happened in our Montessori community over the past month that we are excited to share as our energy and momentum is growing . Check out these highlights!

• The growing interest in public policy and advocacy was really apparent as the Montessori Public Policy panel shared information about the collaborative endeavor between AMS and AMI/USA, introduced the public policy coordinator who will be supporting the growing network of Montessori state groups/coalitions, and the work being done by the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector.
• Representatives from around 10 of the state groups shared information and conversation at the Public Policy Networking reception. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to share our experiences with one another.
• An enthusiastic and lively conversation about Essential Standards for Montessori programs (at 8:00 am on Sun. no less!) resulted in consensus on 10 (watch for a post later this week on details). All participants, and there was a room full, agreed that this is just a beginning to the conversation that our community needs to actively engage in.
• Two groups of volunteers met several times over the weekend to further their special projects. The Montessori Guide to the ECERS-R group was able to move forward toward a final draft and the Early Learning Standards Alignment group has begun to organize with an action plan. Look for more information on both of these projects very soon.

Finally, many of you have been asking how to start, or expand, your state group and its work. There are several new tools and templates on Montessori Forward. Go to Resources and Action, click on How To and Templates. You'll find

• Outreach Sample Letter
• Sample Survey
• Sample By-Laws
• Sample Code of Ethics
• Membership Outline
• Membership Benefits ideas

You are welcome to adapt any of these tools for use in your organizing. Look soon for one idea of an Organizational Structure.

As our community grows, we need your input. Comment on posts, join the conversation on the List Serve, invite others, send policy updates from your state to the Policy Initiatives page, and email montforward@gmail.com with comments, questions, or tips you would like to share.

Thank you!
Montessori Forward