Advocacy Groups

An Advocacy Group is a voluntary member resource group within KCKPS that enables members to meet and build connections based on shared characteristics or interests. These groups are retention tools that are specifically designed to provide support for educators and help them remain in the profession.

Many teachers experience cultural fit issues where they feel emotionally distanced from other teachers and separated from a school’s culture; physical distance can also contribute to this sense of isolation that contributes to teacher turnover (Newberry & Allsop, 2017).

Social support from teachers may offset these feelings of isolation and facilitate new and veteran teachers’ sense of belonging in the teaching profession overall (Papatraianou & Le Cornu, 2014). Furthermore, “critical and collaborative professional learning conversations” are prevalently featured in the literature about teacher education that reflects teachers’ needs to “feel supported, listened to, and share their practices and experiences” (Czerniawski et al., 2017, p. 137; Hoban, 2002; MacPhail et al., 2014).

Purpose

The purpose of an Advocacy group is to serve as an extension of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) department to help improve the employee experience by providing a diverse and inclusive lens to the district.

Objective

The objective of an Advocacy Group is to strengthen KCKPS’s culture by amplifying opportunities to embrace our diversity, lead with equity and integrity, and create a more inclusive work environment. Affinity groups can help employers attract more diverse candidates, reduce turnover, and increase employee morale.

DEI Strategy

These Advocacy Groups will look at our district through a diverse set of eyes and with distinctly different experiences, which ultimately will result in refined ideas, balanced perspectives, an inclusive culture, greater trust, equity for all, more engaged employees, and a welcoming environment.

Types

Examples of advocacy groups could include LGBTQ+ teachers, teachers in a common age group, new members, and any other group based on a common set of characteristics and/or interests.

Value to KCKPS Staff:

Advocacy Groups can provide an opportunity and safe space to:

• promote increased communication and collaboration

• facilitate friendships

• support new members and help them feel more welcome

• identify IDEA concerns

• improve retention

• provide valuable feedback to KCKPS leaders

What Makes a Good Advocacy Group?

An effective advocacy group provides a safe space for all voices to be heard and considers how their interaction and discussions can both benefit one another and the greater KCKPS community.