Stimulating Community Collaboration and Engagement through Access Committees Crystal Bessix Jeremy Jones Dionne Maxie

Today’s Agenda What is an access committee? Why have an access committee? How to develop an access committee? Case Study & Data The Model

What is an access committee? Group of community members representative of a minority population that build internal and external bridges for the 4C’s of effective community engagement: Collaboration Communication Cultural Climate Change Liaison to the community and your organization

Why have an access committee? To increase the recruitment, access, and persistence of African- American & Latino students in education both K-12 and higher education Promote a cultural climate within institutions, organizations, and the community Develop institutional focus and support for minority communities Create pathways to leadership Empowerment Build consensus Give voice

The Benefits  Provide the ability to conduct research  Make policy changes  Systematic change  Increased community engagement  Active participants  Cultural impact Who can benefit?  Parents  College Recruiters  Researchers  Administrators  Minority Populations  Church leaders  Colleges & Universities  Nonprofits & Organizations  Businesses  Consultants

How to develop an Access Committee 1. Identify the need and available resources of the targeted gap group e.g. large percentage of black students not enrolling in college 2. Identify liaison internally – someone who responsible is working with students or community 3. Identify community leader externally – principal, teacher, pastor, business owner 4. Gain buy-in from administration 5. Financial support from the organization – budget line item, resource sharing 6. Host community forum 7. Develop structure Crafting a Community Access Campaign

Focus groups conducted Town Hall Meeting Panelists Retreat Cultural Events Fiesta de Graduacion Senior Gala MLK Day of Service Activate Meetings

The indicators for participation in BEAC and HEAC can no longer be measured by attendance at events. As a result of the data submitted through BEAC and HEAC activities and process are now refocused to reflect diversity, recruitment, access, inclusion and persistence of minority students.

Diversity Management C.A.D.E Council for Access & Diversity in Education TM Development of access committees for further systematic change in higher education institution C.A.D.E.T.S Training TM – Community leaders as ambassadors for your organization

Diversity Management R.A.P – Strategies for Minority Success  To mobilize access committees and strengthen community engagement  Components of Community Access Campaign: Recruitment - enrollment Access – right of entry; admission; way in Persistence – preservation; maintenance; continuation

A strategic advisory and communications firm dedicated to diversity and access in education. Affordable rates Excellent personalized service Young and fresh perspective Unique, innovative solutions Experience in working with K-12 and higher education We offer services in: Diversity Management Marketing Communications Strategic Planning Training Suite

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