In the face of major threats, most people have one of three responses: fight; flight; or freeze. As the United States navigates severe crises in 2020, a fourth option has emerged: collaborate. Advocating for Change During Times of Crisis shares how Mobile Areas Education Foundation (MAEF) actively advocated to ensure none in the region’s most marginalized communities were left behind in the rapid shift to online higher education in March 2020 as a result of the global health crisis.
The guidebook is part of the Innovative Strategies to Close Postsecondary Attainment Gaps series, a component of IHEP’s work with communities that have shown the ability and commitment to significantly increase college-level learning among students of all backgrounds. Following an interview outlining the goals, partnerships, and implementation of MAEF’s approach, the guidebook provides an op-ed Storytelling Tool to help other communities harness the power of collective voice to advocate for change in their regions. Alongside MAEF’s efforts to stay on track to its goal of doubling the number of residents with postsecondary degrees by 2030, the guidebook highlights several creative and inspiring ways that leaders from Albuquerque and Boston to Tampa Bay and Tulsa are meeting the needs of community members disproportionately harmed by the current crises.
Talent Hubs are communities that have shown the ability and commitment to significantly increase college-level learning among residents of all backgrounds. Talent Hubs are officially designated as such by Lumina Foundation, with support from the Kresge Foundation.