Page 29 - NatureStart Network

CHAPTER 5

The Power of Collaboration

“We as a nation need to be reeducated about the necessary and sufficient
conditions for making human beings human. We need to be reeducated not
as parents, but as workers, neighbors, and friends; and as members of the
organizations, committees, boards, and especially, the informal networks that
control our social institutions and thereby determine the conditions of life for
our families and their children.” –URIE BRONFENBRENNER, COFOUNDER OF HEAD START

“Our NatureStart collaboration brought together the Forest learning experiences for children) but diverge in the
Preserve District of Cook County and Mary Crane Head expertise they bring to the table, erupts infinite new
Start. Nature starts wherever you want it to start! The ideas, resources, and possibilities. Crafting a mutually-
moment we took our students, ages 3-5 outside, they started beneficial partnership takes thoughtful consideration and
making observations. Magical dandelions! Flowers that turn strategy. Staff and management from both organizations
into strawberries! A ‘meatball plant,’ a tenacious sprig of green must be committed to their shared goals—from the
breaking through the concrete. Each has a story to tell and bottom up and top down. They must consider new
opens up limitless possibilities for exploration and discovery.” physical considerations such as adequate space for both
organizations teams and participants. It’s also essential
–Adam Kessel, Forest Preserve District of Cook County and to remain flexible—programs will evolve and require
Bob Bryant, Mary Crane Head Start continuous, agile course correction. NatureStart Network
program participants who have developed successful
In today’s world, we have created many barriers partnerships urge to “start small and grow slowly.”
between children and nature. It takes committed
professionals collaborating with each other to provide
children and families increased opportunities for
nature play and exploration. This requires working
across organizations and across disciplines, from early
childhood, environmental professionals, and other
organizations that provide support services to families
and neighborhoods. The CZS NatureStart Network
has focused on developing intentional and lasting
partnerships, collaborations, and networks that increase
nature play, exploration, and learning opportunities
in children’s homes, classrooms, schoolyards, and
neighborhoods.
Within organizations, staff members have their own
expertise, challenges, opportunities, so when imagining
ways to grow, sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the
trees. Establishing partnerships with other institutions
that share common goals (e.g. providing powerful

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