Earlier this week I was at a gathering with a few Great Start Parent Liaisons and Directors. The meeting opened by the circle sharing with one another what inspired and motivated them to do this systems building work. One by one we went around the room and listened to the touching share of each person. For some it was expressed by photos of their children/grandchildren, or expressed through stories of young children who previously touched their life, or holding a strong personal value for justice, empowerment or democracy. But what you couldn’t miss was just how strong the theme of love and commitment for young children was present for the entire group.
 
The Great Start Initiative is designed so that one aspect of the success depends on the effective partnership between the Early Childhood Investment Corporation and the 55 local Great Start Collaboratives and Parent Coalitions. ECIC wanted to learn from this group of local leaders so they could inform the planning work for the coming year. Listening was the critical quality for the day and we heard how some approaches to the work last year created some frustration, yet overall it was recognized as having accomplished something that people are proud to be a part of.  I know it is inevitable as we collectively embark on this journey to change our current system for us to have some growing pains, make some mistakes and not get everything “right”. Those pieces are always present when things are truly changing—it is actually a sign that you might be getting somewhere and aren’t caught in doing things the same old way.
 
I left the gathering with a feeling of optimism and hope about the future for young children and their families in our state. What I experienced was a group of individuals who are passionate and dedicated to the cause of a Great Start being actualized for all children. We are clearly in the process of stepping up to the challenge of learning how to work together more effectively. The ingredients for success are present and the biggest area for improvement I could hear is our need to do a better job of showing our respect and acknowledgement for each others’ hard work. 
 
Congratulations to all us who are joining in this important evolution and revolution that could change the future for all of our grandchildren and their children’s children!