November CEO Update on the All Hands Raised Partnership

November 20, 2012

Dear Friends –

Thank you to the more than 350 of you who were able to take time out of your busy schedules to join us on Thursday for the Raising Our Hands, Raising the Bar event to learn more about the progress of the All Hands Raised Partnership, hear inspiring remarks from local, state, and national leaders, and dive deeper into the work being led with our Collaboratives.

Jeff Edmondson, managing director of the national Strive Partnership shared this: “Take comfort in knowing that you are blazing the trail and people from across the country are learning from you.” He reflected on the strong momentum underway here and reminded us that systemic work is not a quick fix; that coordinating the entire community around evidence-based practices is necessary – but not easy; and that we must remain focused on scaling effective practices, rather than just growing individual programs. I found Jeff’s distinction between collaboration and collective impact especially helpful as we think and work differently. Slides from Jeff’s presentation, and the full program, are available here.

Participants also recognized Portland Mayor Sam Adams for his tenacious focus on education during his term and the leadership role he played in establishing the All Hands Raised Partnership. Remarks were also shared by Governor John Kitzhaber and Portland Public Schools Superintendent Carole Smith, along with Lee Po Cha, Director of the Asian Family Center at IRCO, Concordia University President Charles Schlimpert, Portland State University President Wim Wiewel and PSU Student Jacqueline Altamirano.

Over the last 12 months Collaboratives have come together to move the community from planning and concepts into deliberate action, following a disciplined continuous improvement process. We are at an exciting place as we finalize strategies and work plans. As the Governor said in his remarks, “We will never reach our ambitious education agenda for Oregon without efforts like the one here. You are setting an example for communities throughout the state.”

I hope you’re able to take time to review the attached briefing – it offers a snapshot of where we are and the promise for the future. Thank you for staying engaged, contributing to the effort, and believing in real improvement for our kids.

Sincerely,

Dan Ryan