Attendees will learn about local coalition, share input and enjoy beach party themed activities
Community members are invited to attend the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (KMS) School District Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) coalition’s Speak Out Event from noon until 2 p.m., Sunday, March 1, at the KMS High School in Kerkhoven. This event is open to the public at no charge but advance registration is required by Feb. 20. Contact KMS Community Education at 320-264-1413 or [email protected] to register.
The Speak Out will provide basic information and background on the KMS ECI and its process, share the Community Profile Survey and get input on the results, gain additional input and suggestions from the public on assets and opportunities in the KMS communities and recruit new members to the ECI coalition table.
A festive, Caribbean beach party theme, activities and light lunch will be provided. Families are invited to attend but will be separated for an adult forum during a portion of the event. Childcare will be provided at no charge during this time.
The KMS ECI coalition, in partnership with the Southwest Initiative Foundation, brings together parents, caregivers, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, schools and others to create a supportive network for young children ages birth to 5 and their families. By connecting resources, the coalition works to strengthen services and identify and fill any gaps that might prevent a child from thriving.
“I would encourage all community members to learn more about the coalition,” local KMS ECI Coordinator Dayna Remmel Latham said. “Attend the Speak Out Event, come to a meeting or offer what skills you have when you can. There is always a seat open at the coalition, no matter if you want to come and join a meeting or plan to attend every meeting. From the youngest to the oldest community members, there is a place for you to share your knowledge, skills and heart with others. We all play a part in helping the children of our community succeed.”
The coalition will create a vision for their priorities in the KMS communities at their upcoming visioning session from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 30. For more information about KMS ECI or to find out how to get involved, contact local coordinator Dayna Remmel Latham at 320-264-1617.
The KMS ECI joins 80 other ECI communities that are part of the statewide Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, including 13 southwest Minnesota ECI coalitions operating in partnership with the Southwest Initiative Foundation. By being part of a larger initiative, the KMS ECI will be able to draw upon the collective support and expertise of others and have a stronger voice in public policy and early childhood issues locally, regionally and statewide.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship-building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more $43 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped over 400 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which has created or retained over 7,200 jobs. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
