Data, I think, is one of the most powerful mechanisms
for telling stories. I take a huge pile of data and
I try to get it to tell stories.
~Steven Levitt
You have no doubt experienced–and recently!–the painful diligence that annual reporting requires. Whether it’s completing the Parent Center Data Collection or your annual Continuation Report, reporting takes time, attention to detail, and an eye fixed on the deadline clock.
Here at CPIR, we have discovered anew the many benefits of revisiting a year’s worth of work. That is the theme of this issue of the May Buzz, sparked by a recent discussion with the members of CPIR’s Stakeholders Advisory Group.
Our best to you all,
The CPIR Team | Debra, Lisa, Jessica, Ana-Maria, and Myriam
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Reward 1 | Recognizing what you’ve created and shared
Annual reporting puts a year’s worth of effort and creativity right in front of your eyes. There you have it, all in one place, not passing by in a day-to-day blur. Everyone involved at your Center needs to see the collective results of what’s been achieved; they have surely been part of creating those results.
How to Recognize and Celebrate Success at Work
Here are some suggestions for celebrating group success that you might find helpful.
Reward 2 | Re-sharing your basics and your best
When CPIR’s Stakeholder Advisory Group met in early May, we were all reminded of a central truth of dissemination: “One and done” is not enough. It’s sound dissemination practice to periodically spotlight a resource already in your treasure chest. This is especially true since the audiences that come to Parent Centers for support are constantly changing. Newcomers usually come with similar basic questions and concerns that Parent Centers are so adept at addressing. So use and re-use your best!
Everything You Need to Know About Repeating Social Media Posts
This tidy little article focuses on social media practices, but it amply covers why it’s okay to re-offer news you’ve shared before.
Reward 3 | Sharing results with your Board and with potential funders or partners
Don’t keep your Center’s accomplishments to yourself. Your annual list of activities, people served, communities reached, and website usage can be transformed into an eye-catching infographic, flyer, or presentation you can use to inform funders, potential funders, state agencies, and organizations with whom you’d like to partner.
CPIR is working on an infographic that you can adapt to spotlight your own Center’s work. Stay tuned! In the meantime:
How to Share Your Accomplishments
Interesting tips that include story-telling.
Data Dissemination
A summarizing slideshow full of dissemination insights. From the CDC.
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The CPIR hopes that you’ve found useful and relevant resources listed in this month’s Buzz from the Hub. Please feel free to write to the editor, Lisa Küpper, at lkupper@fhi360.org to suggest the types of resources you’d like to see in the future. CPIR is listening! Your input is extremely valuable to helping us to craft newsletters that support your work with families.
Debra, Myriam, Jessica, Ana-Maria, and Lisa
The CPIR Team
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Publication of this eNewsletter is made possible through Cooperative Agreement H328R130014 between OSEP and the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN). The contents do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Education, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or by the Center for Parent Information and Resources.