Collab Lab 19: Building Community Partners

What opportunities can we create for students by engaging partners in the neighborhoods which surround a school?

In this Collab Lab we’ll explore how we might:

• engage students in real-world projects with organizations, businesses, and community members in the neighborhoods which surround a school;
• leverage then enthusiasm and energy of students working on problems they care about;
• foster relationships that allow for sustainable engagement over the long term.

Come share ideas with your colleagues at public, private, and charter schools from across greater Milwaukee, as well as some folks outside of K12 who offer an interesting perspective on the topic.

Agenda

5:30 – 6:00 Grab something to eat and drink, say hello

6:00 – 8:30 Let’s learn from each other

Food and beverage will be provided. There is no charge for participation but space is limited!

Featured Participants

Among others, you’ll have a chance to talk with:

Dr. Dan Bergen  – Executive Director, Marquette Office of Community Engagement

Dr. Bergen is the founding, and executive director of the Office of Community Engagement at Marquette University where he is responsible for the promotion and support of community engagement in research, community-based teaching, and service.  He is the co-chair of the Housing Working Team for the Near West Side Partners, a member of the Regional Community Engagement Steering Committee, and one of the goal stewards for Marquette University’s “Social Responsibility through Community Engagement” strategic initiative.

Fr. Bill Johnson, SJ – Vice President of Strategic Growth, Cristo Rey Jesuit Milwaukee

Fr. Bill Johnson, Vice President of Strategic Growth, is native to Milwaukee. He was a co-founder of Nativity Jesuit Middle School, was on the founding leadership team of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Twin Cities, Before returning to Milwaukee, Fr. Bill spent three years in the Dominican Republic as the pastoral director of Creighton University’s Institute of Latin American Concern. At Cristo Rey Jesuit Milwaukee, Fr. Bill helps to recruit students and staff members, raise funds, locate corporate partners, and is responsible for Cristo Rey’s Mission and Identity.

Thomas Kiely –  Director of Institute for Catholic Leadership, Marquette University

Thomas Kiely directs the Institute for Catholic Leadership at Marquette University. The ICL helps to develop the mission effectiveness, leadership practices, and innovative structures of Catholic schools and teachers as well as future Catholic School leaders. In this capacity he interacts with community partners on local and national levels so Catholic schools can engage their communities in ways promoting social justice and community solidarity.

Katie Sparks – Director of Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

Katie Sparks focuses on building partnerships with corporations and other philanthropists.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is the largest youth-serving agency in the city They provide safety and support during critical hours of the day as well as meals, strong role models, organized athletics and access to the arts.  The organization’s vision is to build the community’s social and economic fabric by  providing impactful programs that strengthen academic performance, build character, encourage healthy lifestyles, and meet the basic needs of Milwaukee’s youth.

Space for this month’s session is provided courtesy of