Greetings!

In the months since It Takes an Ecosystem: Understanding the People, Places, and Possibilities of Learning and Development Across Settings was published, we have amplified and expanded upon the book’s themes through a series of blog posts by the authors and editors; the latest of which spotlights several strategies for engaging youth in policy and the value of youth-adult partnerships to foster cross-sector collaboration.

It Takes an Ecosystem is shaped by four major themes: 1) the value of an ecosystem framework for moving youth fields forward, 2) the need to better make use of the science of learning and development, 3) the aspirational idea of the allied youth fields, and 4) the critical importance of centering equity and justice. These themes are woven through each chapter, providing a set of guiding frames and insights for reimagined and more interconnected learning and development ecosystems that can support youth to thrive.

On March 29 from 12:30-2:00 PM ET, Dr. Tom Akiva of the University of Pittsburgh and I will be joined by several of the chapter authors for People, Places & Possibilities: Building Strong Learning & Development Ecosystems to Promote Equity, the next in the Readiness Project’s Making the Invisible Visible webinar series. In this session, we will explore how ecosystems promote equity and engage in a rich discussion on how the ideas presented in the book can come to life in our work with young people and communities.

We’re also looking forward to presenting next week at the National AfterSchool Association Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we will facilitate a session on March 22 to share ideas and examples from It Takes an Ecosystem. Together, we will consider how we can move towards a more connected, more equitable world for young people and the adults in their lives.

We hope to see you there!