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WELCOME TO THE FELLOWSHIP
The Overview of the Fellowship’s Expansion Strategy With the rise in visibility for issues impacting Black males in education, The Fellowship needs to make strategic decisions regarding how it presents itself in order to recruit, promote, enhance and broaden awareness of the quality of its programs. With the constant bombardment of messages through media, it is now more important than ever to create marketing messages that stand out and reach prospective educators, as well as, corporate and community partners in a compelling way. Without putting a detailed plan in place to assure it reaches prospective and current Black male educators using every tool at its disposal, The Fellowship leaves its long-term sustainability to chance in a highly saturated education landscape on Black male issues, ideas and other social impact organizations. With this in mind, we have decided to take the opportunity to expand our reach by establishing local chapters of The Fellowship in order to establish our goals across an even broader landscape. This plan represents a strategic roadmap to establishing a chapter of The Fellowship that is directly in keeping with our established mission, vision and philosophy. All exspansion chapters will fall under the direction and auspices of the founding chater in Philadelphia, PA. The major components of this strategic roadmap are based upon the solid foundation of The Fellowship’s brand. It aims to strengthen the organization’s reputation and enhance its visibility. In addition, it will encourage partners, students, donors, parents, students, prospective students, faculty, and staff from various regions of the country to be positively impacted by The Fellowship’s programs and services. Your new chapter of THE FELLOWSHIP will bring highly valued programs, resources and services to your community. You will provide a comprehensive pipeline that addresses retention and recruitment for major school districts committed to teacher diversity.
Vincent E. Cobb II CEO, The Fellowship and Co-founder, BMEC
Sharif El-Mekki
Co-Chair and Founder, The Fellowship
THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF BLACK MEN IN THE TEACHER CORPS NOT ONLY NEGATIVELY AFFECTS STUDENTS OF COLOR, BUT ALL STUDENTS WHO ENTER THE CLASSROOM. The Fellowship Brand Statement The Fellowship of Black Male Educators for Social Justice is a registered 501(c) 3 dedicated to advancing the development, recruitment and retention of Black male educators in public schools across America. Our singular focus is to triple the number of Black male educators in chapter cities by the year 2025. Founded in 2014, the Fellowship was born out of a desire to inspire new generations of Black men to work for social justice through teaching. Since then, The Fellowship has grown to include an ever-expanding network of more than 2,000 members who serve as teachers, administrators, legislators, clergy members and business leaders in Greater Philadelphia. In addition to our Board of Trustees, we also have volunteer Leadership Council comprised of 20 highly experienced Black male educational leaders who advise and help oversee all of our programing and outreach activity. This team has already proven its capability to grow the organization while delivering highly valued programming. Working closely together, The Fellowship team have refined our branding and created a compelling campaign that ties a career in education to social justice for Black boys and men.
History & Background The Fellowship is a professional membership organization dedicated to advancing the development, recruitment and retention of Black male educators in Philadelphia’s public schools. Founded in 2014, the Fellowship was borne out of a need to inspire Black men to achieve social justice they seek by teaching and continually supporting each other’s aspirations. Our work began after young Black male educators who were considering leaving the profession, reached out to our founders for assistance, counsel, and guidance. In the fall of 2014, veteran educator and principal Sharif El- Mekki initiated his vision for meetings with 17 Black male educators at 48th St. Grille in West Philadelphia. These meetings engaged dynamic educators (principals, deans, teachers, community managers etc.) doing great work in and for public schools to talk about the rewards and challenges many Black men experience in schools. Formalized in 2015, The Fellowship has grown to include an ever-expanding network of more than 2,000 members who serve as teachers, administrators, legislators, clergy members and business leaders in Greater Philadelphia. In addition to our Board of Trustees, we also have volunteer Leadership Council comprised of 20 highly effective Black male educational leaders who advise and help oversee all of our programing and outreach activity Our overall mission and approach fits well within strategic priorities of major school districts, colleges/universities committed to increasing teacher diversity, specifically increasing the number of highly effective BMEs in the workforce.
FIVE-YEAR GOALS • • • • •
Double the number of Black male educators in chapter cities. Grow the pipeline of Black male educators applying for positions in chapter cities. Reduce attrition of Black male educators in chapter cities. Expand the Fellowship network, doubling the number of members, allies and program partners. Consistent survey results that show Fellowship programs and services support the recruitment, development and retention of Black male educators in chapter cities.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF BLACK MALES FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
CHAPTER EXPANSION GUIDELINES
New Chapter Policies & Procedures Manual
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Chapter Launch Requirements For continued expansion and longevity of the organization, we must engage cities in adopting our work and model for their school districts, colleges and universities. We will set-up chapters in key strategic cities that can amass a crowd of interested allies, educators and systems leaders for regional events that are centrally located for affordable access to other regions or places where funding dollars are strongly aligned for continued expansion of our work. Each chapter will be launched with a local engagement event. Local chapter leaders and key stakeholders will work in conjunction with Vanguard Solutions Consulting to plan and execute a oneday local Black Male Educators Engagement Event and Membership Drive. The following requirements must be met in order to launch and maintain a local chapter of The Fellowship:
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Participate in The Fellowship Executive Committee Chapter Pre-Assessment o Participate in overview webinar o Sign MOU and Non-Disclosure Agreement o Submit names and contact information of founding chapter members Plan & Execute Engagement Event & Membership Drive o Secure local school district sponsorship o Secure venue & presenters for the event Pay an initial chapter start-up fee of $5,000. o The initial fee will cover: ▪ Official local chapter website, set-up managed and developed by VSC (An official Fellowship vendor) ▪ Promo Package: Retractable banner, 500 Fellowship Postcards, Tablecloth o The fee can be covered by any combination of the following: ▪ A local school district, academic institution or educational agency can pay fee ▪ Sponsorship funds ▪ Ticket sales from the launch event ▪ Initial membership dues Be comprised of at least 20 founding members with the following parameters: o Member must be a male educator or educational supporter o Member must pay an annual membership fee of $100 per person (A school district can pay the membership fee for the educator) Establish Chapter Committees & Leaders o Chapter Leader o Membership Committee & Chair o Marketing Committee & Chair o Sponsorship Committee & Chair o Event Planning Committee & Chair o Program Committee & Chair The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 1
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Chapter Administrative Policies Our local chapters will add value and brand awareness to the Fellowship programs, initiatives and promote recruitment efforts. The local chapters are an integral part of the mission of The Fellowship and our strategic plan to positively impact education in America. All chapters fall under the leadership of The Fellowship Board of Directors and must adhere to the Policies & Procedures set forth in this manual and the administrative policies listed below.
The Fellowship Administrative Policies 1. The Fellowship Policies are subject to change. All policy changes will come directly from the Fellowship Board of Directors. 2. There is an annual membership fee of $100. Annual membership fee is subject to change. Checks will not be accepted. All fees must be paid online at https://1000x2025.org/. Fees are non-refundable. Fees cannot be transferred from one person to another unless the fees were paid by the same educational system, organization or company. 3. Fellowship chapters must adhere to brand guidelines when using The Fellowship logo. Chapters may not use The Fellowship Intellectual Property (eg. logos, trademarks, names, slogans, copyrighted materials, etc.) to manufacture, distribute, sell, market, or promote any product or service, or otherwise use the Fellowship Intellectual Property without obtaining the prior written consent of The Fellowship Board of Directors. 4. The Fellowship chapters must be comprised of members that are educational allies, educators, systems leaders and potential funders in order to ensure continued expansion of our national work. 5. The Fellowship local chapters must maintain an active membership of 20 paid members. 6. The Fellowship Board of Directors reserve the right to discontinue a local chapter at any time. 7. Fellowship chapters will acquire or have access to information that is of a confidential or trade nature so each chapter leaders will sign a contract and a Non-Disclosure and Privacy Agreement. The Fellowship Board of Directors is here to address policy issues relating to The Fellowship local chapters. We want to ensure that there is open communication between the local chapters and The Fellowship Board of Directors.
The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 2
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Chapter Programs Each local chapter must integrate The Fellowship main programs into the local area. The targeted programs below will be implemented in coordination with the National chapter of the Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. Membership Alliance Membership is open to current and prospective Black male educators anywhere on the school-to-career pathway, including: high school students, classroom teachers, principals, administrators and deans, as well as those in other jobs/careers considering a career change to teaching. Recruitment is ongoing. BMEC: Black Male Educators Convening Black Male Educators Convenings are regional events that focus on advancing and celebrating the development, recruitment and retention of Black male educators. There are two Regional convening and one National convening annually.
Purpose Career Fair Annual fair designed for participants to get resume feedback and participate in mock interviews. They will also be able to meet with district, charter and parochial school employers. Protégé: Student Chapters of the Fellowship Designed for students at area high schools to build the next generation of Black male educators. Master Class: Expert Training for Select College Students A summer program that matches Black male college students with Fellowship members to help them become highly-trained, highly effective teachers. Du Bois Awards Outstanding Black male educators across the local area’s public school whose revolutionary teachings emulate the life's work of W.E.B. Du Bois will be recognized. This award is based on exemplary achievement in the classroom and commitment to social justice. Agenda Advocacy platform for policies that support Black male educators; diversifies the teaching profession; closes the student achievement gap; and advances high-quality education for all. Never Too Late: Guidance and Referral Services for Career Changes to Teaching Designed for Black men thinking about going back to college or looking at a new career in education. Suit Up. Show Up. An organizing of 1,000 Black men to suit up then show up on the first day of school to welcome students to a new year and a future of great possibilities through education. The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 3
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Chapter Maintenance Requirements Chapter Requirements: • • • • •
Build strategic alliances with local partners, collaborators and funders Secure a local venue to conduct monthly meetings Hold a networking chapter meeting each month Sign-Up a minimum of 10 New Fellowship members per month Implement all Fellowship national programs on an annual basis
Chapter Leader Responsibilities: A chapter leader must be an educational leader with strong strategic connections with the regional area. Chapter leaders will go through and interview process and be selected and approved by the The Fellowship Board of Directors. Chapters leaders must: • • • • • • • • •
Act as liaison between The Fellowship executive team and The Fellowship local members Run chapter meeting, events, and committees in alignment with The Fellowship national guidelines Responsible for securing strategic partners Serve as leader of all chapter functions Organize and manage chapter committees Assist the Fellowship Executive Team with appointment of committee leaders Send monthly emails to The Fellowship members via The Fellowship e-marketing platform managed by VSC. (ALL mass e-mail communication must be approved) Participate in monthly chapter leader webinar with The Fellowship Executive Committee Complete digital monthly report to send to The Fellowship Executive Committee
Member Responsibilities • • • • • • •
Pay annual dues of $100 Attend monthly meetings on a regular basis and invite guests Attend Fellowship local chapter programs and events Participate on a chapter committee Display a positive and supportive attitude with The Fellowship members Attend Black Male Educators Regional & National Convenings Support All Fellowship initiatives The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 4
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Chapter Committee Responsibilities The Fellowship Committee Descriptions Each Fellowship committee will have a team leader and an assistant team leader. Committee team leaders and assistants will be a part of the chapter leadership team. Each committee will perform specific targeted tasks at all chapter events and programs. Every committee represents a valuable part of the chapter and must work cohesively together for the overall success of the chapter. •
Membership Committee o Create on-going online membership drives and promotions to attract new members o Serve as greeters at chapter events and set-up recruiting table o Be assigned to guests during local chapter meeting o Lead chapter in meeting membership monthly goals
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Marketing Committee o Provide PR & Marketing for all The Fellowship Events o Provide Content for Monthly Newsletters o Set-Up and manage chapter social media outlets working under the leadership of the National chapter o Work in Conjunction with The Fellowship National Marketing Team o Take pictures and video footage during all chapter meetings & events
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Sponsorship Committee o Secure Sponsorships for ▪ Event Sponsorships based on National Chapter Sponsor packages ▪ In-Kind Meeting Space, Refreshments at The Fellowship meetings & Events, o Secure the following Sponsors for The Fellowship Local Events ▪ Corporate Member, Title Sponsor, Item Give-Aways ▪ District, College & Corporate Sponsors
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Event Planning Committee o Provide PR & Marketing for all The Fellowship meeting & events o Serve as the on-the-ground set-up and close-down team for all meetings events o Lead the planning and execution for all events and programs o Work in direct contact with Vanguard Solutions Consulting to plan all Fellowship local event guided by event planning check list.
The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 5
CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
Membership Benefits Membership is open to current and prospective Black male educators anywhere on the school-tocareer pathway, including: high school students, classroom teachers, principals, administrators and deans, as well as those in other jobs/careers considering a career change to teaching. Recruitment is ongoing with formal inductions held twice a year. Beyond the invaluable support from mentors and peers alike, benefits to membership also include a first look at Fellowship’s education policy initiatives, research briefs and ongoing curation of industry-related developments, as well as early notices of upcoming Fellowship events.
The Fellowship Membership Benefits: •
Monthly Newsletter
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Ongoing mentoring and support from fellow members and opportunity to be a part of the Fellowship’s legacy by mentoring prospective Black male educators
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Access to a large network of Black male educators and 2,000+ supporters representing a wide range of interests
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Access to Professional Development Webinars
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Eligibility for Giving Initiatives and Teacher Relief Funds
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Early Registration & Discounted Rate for Regional & National events
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Access to The Fellowship Job Board to Post Resumes & Search Jobs
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Special recognition at The Fellowship events
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Monthly Fellowship E-Newsletters
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Discounted Rates on select Fellowship events
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Recognition at The Fellowship Regional and National events
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Support and leads from other members
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First look at Fellowship education policy initiatives and research briefs.
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CHAPTER EXPANSION POLICES & PROCEDURES
The Fellowship 90 Minute Agenda •
Welcome, Chapter Leader welcomes members and guest are introduced – 15 Minutes
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Guest Speaker – 30 Minutes (The speaker must bring educational and professional development value to the group. Guest speaker will be secured by Chapter Leader and approved by The Fellowship executive committee.)
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Best Practices: Select members will have the opportunity to share educational best practices with the group – 15 Minutes
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Committee Report, Committee Leaders – 20 Minutes
o Membership Committee o Marketing Committee o Sponsorship Committee o Event Committee (Will Discuss Upcoming Events) •
Review Benefits of The Fellowship Membership, Chapter Leader – 10 Minutes
The Fellowship Policies & Procedures Manual - 7
THANK YOU FOR BECOMING A CHAPTER
LEADERSHIP TEAM Vincent Cobb II CEO & Co-Founder, BMEC Aaron Bass James Brooks Rashiid Coleman Zachary Epps Kevin Gold Sterling Grimes Tremaine Johnson Vance Lewis Chris McFadden Ani Mwalimu Robert Parker Dr. Jack Perry Raymond Roy-Pace Dr. Kenneth Waters Harold Lee Whack
STUDENT AMBASSADORS Tamir Harper, Science Leadership Academy Glen Casey University of Pennsylvania Donovan Forrest Temple University
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sharif El-Mekki, Co-Chair & Founder Principal, Mastery Charter School-Shoemaker Campus Dr. Kelli Seaton, Co-Chair Education Consultant Dr. William Hayes, Vice Chair Principal, Mastery Charter School-East Camden Middle School Jovan Weaver, Treasurer Principal, Mastery Charter School-John Wister Elementary Charles Adams Executive Director, Teach For America, Greater Philadelphia Region Soledad Alfaro Chief of Staff, Philadelphia International Airport Erica Atwood CEO, First Degree Consulting, LLC Ryan Boyer Business Manager, Laborers’ District Council Joseph Ferguson Chief Operating Officer, Mastery Charter Schools Rev. Marshall Paul Hughes Mitchell Pastor, Salem Baptist Church of Jenkintown Fasaha Traylor Non-Profit Management Consultant Thom Webster President, Eastern Region BASE Architecture, Planning & Engineering Miles Wilson President/CEO, Education Works