In many of the essays on the Tutor/Mentor Institute we ask "What are all the things we need to do to assure that all youth born in poverty today are starting jobs and careers by age 25?"

In the various sections of the links library we point to things some people are doing which lead to this result. Such ideas are intended to expand the understanding of anyone thinking about this problem, while stimulating discussion among groups of people which leads to more consistent actions to apply these ideas in poverty neighborhoods of Chicago, and other places.

This is still a process and we're a small organization. Thus, there are many questions to be answered. One is "how do we expand the number of people thinking about this information, and how do we build commitment toward actions that distribute resources to tutor/mentor programs, on a more consistent basis, and in more povery areas?"

Another, would be, how do we create a larger network of people who value volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs as a key strategy to expand the number of non proverty adults involved, thus increasing the resources available to help kids in poverty areas?

Steven Clift leads a discussion groups that focuses on collaboration and consensus building. A few weeks ago, he asked: 

" I've found that most online tools and techniques bring our differences of opinion rather than forging agreement within large groups online (over say 15 people). The Internet does a great job at getting issues on the table, allowing like-minds to coalase, and when done right builds respect among those with differing opinions. 

Can take this further?

Let's say that we want move online from the statement of positions or surveys that show current opinions to agreement or consensus on actions or proposals among the vast majority of say 1,000 people.

What would you do? What have you seen? "

Read the full thread here: http://groups.dowire.org/groups/consult/messages/topic/4tcf2LndR6buvQfIDwvhVA 

This is an important discussion for those who are working to build support for volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs. We  need people who can understand what's being discussed in Steven Clift's forum, and who will apply that understanding as a volunteer, partner, leader of the Tutor/Mentor Connection.  Introduce yourself if you've been reading these ideas.