Pensacola, Panama City and Tallahassee Regional Meetings

Posted on 08/08/2011 @ 03:06 PM

Tags: North

By David Abrams
e. david.abrams@childrensmovementflorida.org
State Coordinator, North/Central Forida

The team had an exciting end to last week while visiting Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee on Thursday and Friday. During these meetings the group discussed a variety of topics and potential strategies regarding next steps for The Movement.
 
In Panama City, the issues that generated the most discussion were parenting and mentoring. Both issues were agenda items as part of our 2011 Legislative Agenda.

Superintendent Bill Husfelt of Panama City, mentioned the idea of having an "...established parental liaison program, or effort, or movement", while continuing to work as a state to reach our goal of high quality, best practiced mentoring. Mr. Husfelt, was just one of many who stressed the importance for The Movement to have a continued focus on bettering our parenting and mentoring programs statewide
 
In Tallahassee and Pensacola, our chief strategist Sergio Bendixen opened up a valuable discussion on whether The Movement should take the direction of advocacy or have a stronger political approach in 2012. Several participants from both regions shared innovative ideas and opinions regarding the subject. Please watch the videos below to hear some of the regional roundtable input. Ken Armstrong, President of the United Way Big Bend, defended the advocacy approach while suggesting alternative ways (outside of political) to raise priorities for children. Mr. Armstrong shared a specific example in regards to the idea of advocacy through religion - saying that "...if every pastor in the state of Florida decided that raising the level of Florida's priorities for kids was important to them, I'm not sure what happened in the legislature would be as important." He said the same for business and civic leaders. Conversly, John Hosman, of Pensacola spoke of some of the advantages of a political action strategy while stating the power of "influencing Politicians with advocacy groups that are in place". Mr. Hosman also said many local groups in Pensacola struggle with being effective through advocacy due to in part with limited planning, funding & resources.

So, lots of good ideas shared and important directional decisions to be made. We plan to come back to everyone next month (September) with a consensus on our next steps.