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Since 1997, the Institute for Educational Leadership has mobilized the Coalition for Community Schools to lead advocacy efforts to promote Community Schools as a vehicle to ensure all young people have the conditions they need to succeed and thrive. March for Children and Youth Month was launched by our partners at First Focus for Children in 2017 as an annual campaign to concentrate our advocacy efforts among our national, state and local partners. Our collective advocacy as a Coalition is important to build champions among our policymakers for policies and funding that support children and youth. We can no longer sit on the sidelines and hope others advocate for more equitable conditions in schools - it must be us, it must be now, and we must speak with one voice. During this campaign, reach out to your policymakers and share your stories and the impact of Community Schools. Join us during this month to raise our voices together to create opportunities we want for all children and youth across the country to experience every day.

This toolkit is designed to equip community school practitioners and partners in Idaho with the resources they need to secure funding, engage local support, and share their impact. Inside, you’ll find guidance on grant writing, leveraging partnerships, navigating federal funding opportunities, and advocating for your community school through storytelling and site visits. Additionally, real-life experts showcase how Idaho schools have successfully sustained and expanded their community school efforts during a recorded panel discussion.

This guide is a resource for understanding, implementing, and thriving as a community school in New York State. It emphasizes how community schools use strategies like Multi-Tiered System of Supports lntegrated (MTSS-1), culturally responsive-sustaining education practices (CRSE), and social emotional learning (SEL) to ensure every student thrives in a supportive and inclusive environment. By leveraging collaborative leadership structures, stakeholders collaboratively drive the work to align with the diverse needs of their communities. Whether you're just beginning to explore community schools or are seeking to strengthen your existing strategy, you'll find valuable information and practical resources in this guide.