About RW
| Why is it important? | How does it work? | Who can help? |
What is it?
Red Wagon Kids started as an action step stemming from the 2007 Mayor’s Summit on Children. As we continued to mull the idea, we searched for other communities and groups that were successful with similar projects. At that time, we found no successful true community driven plans that addressed the needs of young children. Several plans developed by groups of various organizations were available. However, successful implementation of these plans has been limited because buy-in from other needed stakeholders and the community is lacking. Building on this important fact, we realized our community already has a best practice planning process in the form of Vision 20-20. Common-sense said follow this proven success of transparency, openness and give everyone the opportunity to have a voice.
Red Wagon Kids is a community-driven planning process consisting of six work groups representing business, faith, health, education, policy and service agencies. Red Wagon Kids will address ways to ensure our community provides our youngest children (approx 0-8 years) with the best opportunity to succeed in school and life. The plan’s foundation will be grounded in the “5 Promises” (caring adults, safe places, healthy start, effective education, opportunities to help others). Best practice research shows the more times children experience the “5 Promises,” they more likely they will be healthy and happy, successful, graduate from school and become productive citizens. Project leaders are Brian Fogle and Sister Lorraine.
Why is it important?
This plan is important to our community because it will allow us the knowledge of where, what and how to maximize use of resources for young children within our local area. It will build further upon the huge success of the Grant Makers Challenge (http://www.cfozarks.org/documents/GCCAug07.pdf) and look specifically for ways to bolster proven positive prevention initiatives already underway. This project marks a time when interests from all sectors of the community can come together to create targeted action steps aimed at helping young children and their families. (back to top)
How does it work?
Work groups will be asked to look at a 3-year time frame and identify 2-3 initiatives or goals per year that could be accomplished through their respective sectors. Some initiatives may start small and build from year to year, or there could be new emphasis on identified gaps in needed programs/services. It will be up to each group to determine the optimum use of resources and highlight additional needs. Group leaders will meet with each other periodically to share information and look for synergies with others. Additional community focus groups will be asked for input and review.
Group meetings will be held 1-2 times per month. When possible, meeting schedules will be posted on the website. Progress can be followed on this website. Targeted completion date is May 1, 2008. Each group will present their proposed plans to the Red Wagon Kids project steering committee (comprised of the Mayor’s Commission for Children Board and designated others.)
Once the direction and needs of each sector are understood and citizen input and review is received, the Mayor’s Commission for Children will present the plan to the city, county, school board and chamber leadership as well as major community groups for support. Phase 2 of the project will begin the task of helping mobilize our community to act upon recommendations provided by the work groups. (back to top)
Who can help?
The entire community is encouraged to get involved with the process. To join a group of your interest or help with review of the plan call 864-1656 or contact the Mayor’s Commission for Children (dbredfeldt@springfieldmo.gov) (back to top)