A Briefing Report on the Relationship of NAEYC and AffiliatesNovember 3, 2010

Anaheim, CA

Gwen SimmonsDirector of Affiliate Relations

“Dialogue…is about a shared inquiry, a way of thinking and reflecting together. It is not something you do to another person. It is something you do with people. Indeed, a large part of learning this has to do with learning to shift your attitudes about relationships with others, so that we gradually give up the effort to make them understand us, and come to a greater understanding of ourselves and each other. “

William Isaacs

When using this presentation please reference the notes sections where additional information is often cited.

Please note that Exploring Relationship Possibilities: A National Dialogue is an evolving[ and authentic] process. Timelines and Guiding Principles were shared in November of 2010 and both will be revised in response to the feedback from Leadership Day participants and from the December 14th Leadership Call.

Final timelines and guiding principles for the National Dialogue will be presented to the NAEYC Governing Board at their January 2011 meeting.

Transcription and formatting of wall-charts is currently in process. Once completed they will be posted on the Affiliate Resource page along with this PowerPoint and a copy of the Leadership Day Agenda.

For today’s discussion:The view from the top – global perspective and preparationProdding your thinking and benefitting from your input

For the national dialogue: Strategic conversation about the desired relationship

between NAEYC and affiliates. ◦ How should NAEYC and affiliates relate to each other?◦ Are we maximizing the relationship?◦ Is the relationship purpose driven?

Historical Context

Why Now is the Right Time

Issues and Trends

Roles and Responsibilities

Project Timeline

Next steps

Questions

Learn the PastWatch the PresentCreate the Future

1926 - NANE forms (National Association for Nursery Education) 1937 – Boston Delegates conference – affiliate structure discussed 1943 - Boston Delegates conference – formal relationship discussion tabled 1955 - Registration process with NANE 1958 - 30 Affiliate Groups in process 1964 - NANE reorganizes as NAEYC, implements an Affiliate Group structure 1989 - Governance Study conducted 1992 - YC article by Marilyn Smith, NAEYC- Our Organization, Present and Future: Issues for Discussion, Spring Leadership Conference opens national discussion 1996-1999 - ADP (Association Development Process) implemented 2001 - Re-affiliation (version 3) implemented, first Affiliate Council meets 2004 & 2007 - State Affiliate strategic plans submitted 2010 - Strategic plans temporarily suspended 2011 - 10 year anniversary of 2001 Re-affiliation 2011 – National Dialogue initiated on relationship between NAEYC and its affiliates

The 2012 National Dialogue Not the first time Ongoing topic from the inception of NAEYC Frequently emerges* Emphasis on fiscal and legal structure Attention to the “Issue Relationship” –

typically overlooked

The timing makes senseo 10 year anniversary of re-affiliation

Vision 2015 Organizational focus on continuous cycle of

improvemento Right time to examine the relationship between

NAEYC and Affiliates Emerging trends among affiliates Dynamic changes in ECE Impact of shifting economic, political and social

climates

Dramatic shift initiated in the relationship between NAEYC and Affiliates 10 years ago◦ Re-affiliation (version 3) cemented and formalized

a structural and legal relationship Increased accountability Legal documents signed (charter agreements) Non profit business practices Emphasis intentionally placed on states*

Shift to state focus has left many local leaders feeling disconnected. Many report feeling “as if we’ve lost our voice.”

Attention to non-profit practices has left many state affiliates increasingly distanced from association work

Affiliates report not having enough input at the national level – “feel disconnected from the Board.”

Elevated Expectations (by NAEYC) without increase in resources, leaving many affiliates feeling unsupported in their efforts to achieve expected results.

Affiliate structure not sufficiently customized to local communities

Affiliates appreciate heavy emphasis on business practices but report it dominates their energy, time, and resources – eliminating the passion of many to participate in leadership roles

State affiliates reinvesting time and resources in local affiliate relationships

Some local affiliates dissolving

2010 presents a different context◦ Changing context for ECE◦ Unique & complex state dynamics◦ Economy◦ Competition for time and commitment

Stagnant economy undermining nonprofit activities and contracts initiated by state affiliates in response to NAEYC expectations to create diversified funding

State affiliates restructuring PA, WA, MD, NC, OH

Affiliate Council Role and Responsibilities

Affiliate Board Role and Responsibilities

Affiliate Staff Role and Responsibilities

NAEYC Governing Board Role and Responsibilities

15.1 The Affiliate Council serves three purposes:

1. To provide a forum for networking among Affiliate leaders to discuss issues of common concern;

2. To develop recommendations for the NAEYC Governing Board with a particular focus on Affiliate issues; and

3. To develop recommendations for the Nominating Panel regarding potential candidates for the Affiliate Liaison seats on

the Governing Board.

NAEYC Governing Board Handbook, 2010

Planning and Preparation Phase 1: January – March 2011

◦ National Dialogue on Association/Affiliate Relations Begins◦ Framework for Association/Affiliate Relationship Constructed

Phase II: April – June 2011◦ Recommendations Developed by Affiliate Council

In Dialogue with Members and NAEYC Governing Board Phase III: July – September 2011

◦ Affiliate Council Draft Recommendations Vetted Affiliate Members NAEYC Governing Board

Phase IV: October – December 2011◦ Affiliate Council Finalizes Its Recommendations for Submission to the

Governing Board Phase V: January 2012

◦ Governing Board Deliberates Affiliate Council Recommendations and Concludes Its Decision Making

◦ Implementation of Board Decisions Begin

Planning and Communicating◦ Historical Document Review◦ Survey – 4 Reflective Questions

Affiliate Leadership, NAEYC Governing Board & Senior Staff ◦ Interviews

Association Component Expert NAEYC Senior Staff – Past and Current Affiliate Council Leadership – Past and Current

◦ January 2010 Trend Report: Governing Board Book◦ Ongoing Documentation, Observations and Lessons

from the Road

Leadership Day: Organizing for National Dialogue White Paper: January 2011 Launch National Dialogue: February 2011

◦ Guided by Discussion Guide Affiliate Council appoints Steering Committee Dialogue prepares recommendations Affiliate Council vets draft recommendations Affiliate Council presents recommendations to

NAEYC Governing Board NAEYC Governing Board deliberates Council

recommendations January 2012: Implementation of Board

approved changes

I would like to see an action plan that unites the affiliates and national - something that we can all get behind and work toward. It should be that "impossible dream" that Stephanie Fanjul writes about…. it needs a focus that comes from within.

Affiliate President, 2010

Power in organizations is the capacity generated by relationship. What gives

power its charge – positive or negative – is the quality of the relationship.

Margaret J. Wheatley

Honor and Respect Those Who Went Before, In the Present and the Future.

Be Respectful, Honest, and Truthful Enough to Allow us to Grow Into the Future.

A group exercise during Leadership Day produced additional suggestions for these principles. A revised set of principles will be developed and distributed in response to this input as we move this work forward. Added 12.2010, G. Simmons, NAEYC.