As part of our goal to build a “community sourced” strategic plan, Alliance also held a series of listening sessions or community charrettes in partnership with Community Coalition in South LA, Inner City Struggle in East LA, and Innovate Public Schools in Downtown LA. These events invited community leaders, activists, and members – young and old – from each region to an open floor to comment about how they define a thriving community, and the role schools could play in building it.  

Across all three community charrettes, several common themes emerged on the potential role of schools to build stronger communities: connection, access, and outreach. Charrette participants outlined ways Alliance schools could serve as hubs of community, organizing information, events, and advocacy – ideas we are using to shape our long-term strategic vision to better connect our schools with our communities. 

Also, in October 2024, Alliance will be hosting Strong Schools, Stronger Communities, a groundbreaking conference that explores the state of K-12 education in Los Angeles and the power of schools to help build thriving communities in every neighborhood. California leaders from across education, nonprofit, government, and business sectors will be invited to help Alliance build a coalition to support community schools of excellence that supports our long-term strategic vision.