Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

Share the new insights and information you have gained from these conversations (or the podcast and Harvard website)

I have had several conversations with Judith Wagner of OMEP-USA and am learning a great deal. Judith has passed my information on to other colleagues and I am now connected to others. I’m learning that by reaching one hand out to help, five more my reach back to show you how to help.

Describe in particular the additional information about issues of equity and excellence you acquired from your international sources

I do not have the specifics yet, but there will be a conference in April and the topic will be Education and Refugees Children: A Promising Swedish Experience.  I am waiting for a response from Carol Darcy, an OMEP-USA liaison.  It is very exciting to correspond with new people.  I know I said this before, but it is also very exciting leaving my comfort zone to discover all the possibilities of advocacy. 

Sharing Web Resources

What specific section(s) or information seemed particularly relevant to your current professional development?

The link for the OMEP projects speaks about promoting the correlation between the physical, economic, social, etc environments in order to foster positive outcomes in the global context.

Which ideas/statements/resources, either on the website or in an e-newsletter, did you find controversial or made you think about an issue in new ways?

I have not seen anything on the site or in the page to make me rethink an issue.  I love this organization so far and am excitedly awaiting my membership information!

What information does the website or the e-newsletter contain that adds to your understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field?

OMEP-USA has a project called Service Day for the Children of New Orleans. This is a program that calls on the OMEP-USA volunteers from all over to come together to work with the outreach program in New Orleans to provide services such as tutoring, repairing, and other greatly needed supports.  This project, in my opinion, speaks of their dedication to the well-being of children and the community.

What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain from exploring the website or e-newsletter?

There was a section in the winter newsletter entitled, “Finding Inspiration in Baby Steps.” And the author, my contact, Judith T. Wagner discusses the importance of discovering inspiration from everywhere.  Look at what others are accomplishing even in the face of adversity and hardship, and find a lesson that can be learned and a story that can be told. 

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 1

Introduce your conversation partners (or the podcast participant) to your colleagues

I am so excited to say that Ms. Judith Wagner of OMEP-USA contacted me by email and we had such an excited conversation.  I am so ready to get on board and start getting into advocacy!

Share what you have learned so far from these exchanges (or from the podcast and website)

I’ve learned that I am so close to all the action! I can meet with the liaison (if he has the time) of OMEP in my area, I can attend meetings, and meet my heroine Marian Wright Edelman!

Describe your new insights and information about issues of poverty

 

There is so much information on the website, as well as with Ms. Wagner.  The programs and outreach OMEP-USA offer on a global level is phenomenal.  I am in the process of becoming a member of OMEP-USA. With the membership, I will have access to programs, information, and events that will facilitate growth and confidence in my role as an advocate in early childhood development.

Sharing Web Resources

Provide the name and link for the international website you selected, and a brief description of the organization’s focus

I chose the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP). The organization is composed of professions and lay men, dedicated to improving lives of young children.

http://www.omep-usnc.org/

Identify one current issue/trend from the newsletter and/or from the website that caught your attention

In the February 2011 newsletter, I was surprised to see that OMEP and NAEYC joint forces to organize an event on behalf of children.  Issues surrounding the well-being of young children have and will always be an issue of concern if we continue to ignore the gaps in modern early childhood development.  OMEP aims to address the deficits and defend the rights of children everywhere.

Share if there was anything else you learned from studying these resources related to the topic of this week

I continue to learn about the different organizations that want what is best for our young children.  It always amazes that people can be so dedicated to a cause and put their whole selves into the struggle for equality. 

Getting Ready—Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

It seems this assignment will be a little challenging for me. Our task is to establish connect with two international organizations in order to build and strengthen our awareness of early childhood supports outside our country.

First, I previewed the list of resources provided for us on the link. Next, I went to each site and read and searched for something that would catch my attention. Then, I found two organizations that caught my attention and looked further into the websites. And finally, I contacted, via email, the directors of the organizations and asked to establish a relationship with someone there.  So far, I have not received any feedback, which leads me to believe that I will have to search the other organizations, as well as take the advice of Kristina (thank you) and look at other channels (i.e. facebook) to find a suitable organization.

After having searched, I found a very interesting prospect. The website that I chose to use as a reference for this course is the World Organization for Early Childhood Education ( also known as OMEP).  This is an organization composed of teachers, advocates, students, etc, dedicated to improving early childhood education nationally and internationally.  I am excited about this site and have contacted someone and hope to hear something soon. I advice my colleagues to keep searching no matter how hard it may seem.  Think and look outside the box and be persistent.