Beyond The Blog

What does it really mean to be school-ready?

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn is joined by Alison Nichols, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning for the School District of Manatee County, and Jennifer Harrison, K–2 Curriculum Specialist for the School District of Manatee County. Together, they unpack what school readiness truly looks like, explore the challenges children may face without it, and offer practical tips and valuable resources for parents, caregivers, and educators to help every child start school with confidence.

Timestamps 

• 00:31 - Intro
• 01:44 - Alison and Jennifer break down what it means for a child to be “school ready.”
• 05:56 - Alison and Jennifer reveal the challenges a child might face if they are not school ready.
• 07:20 - Leah, Alison, and Jennifer discuss the importance of families participating in their local “Kindergarten Round-up” and how to take those practices home. 
• 10:42 - Jennifer and Alison share the success of collaborating with The Patterson Foundation to provide Kindergarten Readiness Bags to all children in Manatee County.
• 13:42 - Alison and Jennifer talk about the other “Helpers”  in our community and how families can find them.
• 17:16 - Big Picture Small Steps
• 17:39 - Aison & Jennifer share their long-term aspirations for School Readiness in our community.
• 20:14 - Jennifer and Alison offer numerous  actionable tips to help ensure your child is school ready.
• 24:44 - Connecting with Kids

Links to Learn More 

• https://www.manateeschools.net/ 
• https://flbt5.floridaearlylearning.com/ (Developmental Standards)
• https://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/just-read-fl/parents.stml (Just Read Florida - Family Guides)
• https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/
• https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/
• https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/
• https://www.cfsarasota.org/
• https://www.oysterbar.net/dive-into-reading/
• https://soarin4.org/
• https://soarin4.org/storybook-trail/
• https://www.vroom.org
• https://www.gradelevelreadingsuncoast.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/SCGLR-Kindergarten-Readiness-Checklist.pdf

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In this inspiring episode, Pierrette Kelly shares her experience as a poll watcher, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and the vital role everyday citizens can play in upholding democracy. With clarity and passion, she encourages others to step up and get involved, especially as International Poll Worker Day approaches on August 12. Whether you're curious about what poll watching involves or looking for ways to serve your community, Pierrette's story is a motivating call to action. Tune in and discover how you, too, can help make every vote count.

Timestamps 

• 01:34 - Learning About Pierrette 
• 02:32 -  Volunteering at The Polls
• 2:39 - A Walk to Respect
• 04:47 -  Serving as a Poll Watcher
• 07:04 - Working Behind The Scenes: Nonpartisan Observers
• 09:48 - Helping Voters Find Their Way
• 10:51 - August 12 is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day
• 13:54 - Where can you start? What can you do?  
• 14:46 -  The training process 
• 15:36 - Strengthening People, Organizations, and Communities
• 17:31 - Advice to those interested 
• 18:48  - New Civic Path Book Circles

Links to Learn More 

• League of Women Voters
• What will be our legacy? What will our children say?
• New Civic Path Book Circles
• THE CARTER CENTER - Nonpartisan Election 
• Observation in the U.S.       
• THE CARTER CENTER 
• Election Protection
• started.https://866ourvote.org/partners/
• Manatee County
• Sarasota County
• Charlotte County
• DeSoto County 

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In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Carol Mahler, a longtime resident and beloved historian of DeSoto County. This episode offers a heartfelt and enlightening look at the people, places, and moments that have shaped this amazing community over the years. Carol's gift of personal stories and historical insight reminds us that preserving local history isn't just about remembering the past but honoring those who made it. She also connects history to the present beautifully, highlighting how the same spirit of resilience and pride fuels collaboration among neighbors and inspires action driven by shared aspirations for DeSoto's future. 

Carol shares her Discover DeSoto Gem: The John Morgan Ingraham Museum. The museum is a place close to her heart, rich in artifacts, stories, and photographs that reflect the county's past. For Carol, the museum is more than a building; it is a living tribute to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of the people who've called DeSoto home. Whether you are a longtime resident or a curious visitor, this episode will inspire you to take a deeper look at the legacy of this special place. 

Timestamps

• 00:40 - Introduction to Carol, long time DeSoto County resident and historian. 
• 01:25 - Carol shares what brought her to DeSoto County.
• 01:44 - Carol discusses the change she has seen in DeSoto County.
• 02:26 - Carol shares her aspirations for DeSoto County.
• 14:40 - Carol discusses when she first heard about The Patterson Foundation starting community conversations in 2022.
• 18:03- Carol shares her experience as an exhibitor at The DeSoto County Ahead events in 2023 and 2025.
• 20:41 - Carol shares details about her “Discover DeSoto Gem” The John Morgan Ingraham Museum. 
• 29:56 - Carol reminds us of DeSoto County’s big birthday!
• 32:07 - Alicia shares details about DeSoto County’s involvement with this year's Remake Learning Days and Carol shares the event she helped host.
• 38:35 - Alicia discusses the Harwood Institutes impact in DeSoto County and encourages listeners to share small wins..
• 41:10 - Carol shares her impact in the Public Capitol Report about DeSoto County and her involvement in the roundtables that lead to that report..
• 42:00 - Carol discusses the change that is here and coming in DeSoto County and encourages residents to step up and have a voice in that change.

Links to Learn More

• DeSoto County Ahead
• Public Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming Together
• DeSoto County Ahead Anthem
• DeSoto County Historical Society
• John Morgan Ingraham Museum

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In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus welcomed a guest who embodies leadership, service, and local pride: Asha Campbell. She is a tax professional, business consultant, and CEO of the nonprofit JRpreneur Brunch. Asha's journey is rooted in the heart of DeSoto County, where she's lived since the age of five. Her deep connection to the community drives everything she does, from mentoring the youth to becoming a Public Innovator. With her nonprofit JRpreneur Brunch, Asha leads programs focused on youth education, financial literacy, and leadership development. Her mission is clear: to empower others to thrive.

Key Podcast Themes

• Community Roots: Asha shares that she's lived in DeSoto County since age five and has deep ties to the DeSoto community.
• Empowerment Through Education: Asha's nonprofit, JRpreneur Brunch, focuses on youth development and financial literacy, aiming to empower the next generation.
• DeSoto County Ahead: The conversation highlights how Asha's work aligns with the DeSoto County Ahead initiative, building a thriving, inclusive community through meaningful change that is driven by community members' aspirations.

Timestamps 

• 00:41 - Introduction to Asha and her role as a tax professional, business consultant, and CEO of the nonprofit JRpreneur Brunch. 
• 01:07 - Asha shares how long she has lived in DeSoto County.
• 01:24 - Asha shares what makes DeSoto County special.
• 02:00 - Asha shares more about her nonprofit JRpreneur Brunch and the impact her organization is having in DeSoto County.
• 06:49 - Asha discusses the two Remake Learning Day events that she held this year.
• 12:06- Asha describes her experience at the Public Innovators Lab, a two-day event with over 50 local leaders.
• 15:18- Asha and Alicia discuss the four teams that have emerged since the Public Innovators lab (Housing, Health, Faith-Based, and Youth) and next steps.
• 16:55 - Asha provides her "Discover DeSoto" highlight: The YMCA.

Links to Learn More

• DeSoto County Ahead
• Public Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming Together
• DeSoto County Ahead Anthem
• Asha's LinkedIn
• Growversity Solutions

Connect with Asha on

• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

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Rich Harwood's manifesto, The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation, boldly lays out a new path forward by which Americans might come together, amid our real divides, and create change. He's not a politician. But he's on a campaign to spread this message to every corner of the country. In this podcast, TPF Fellow, Andrew Spector, talks with Cheri Coryea, Initiative Lead for Aspirations to Actions and Digital Access for All at The Patterson Foundation, about why The Patterson Foundation is hosting book circles for The New Civic Path in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Note: With the release of The New Civic Path, The Patterson Foundation is launching a series of book circles across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. These book circles will offer a welcoming space to explore how we can face today's challenges with greater purpose, hope, and civic confidence. Through guided conversations, participants will reflect on ways to build deeper relationships and co-create communities that are more inclusive, responsive, and resilient. Learn more at https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/aspirations-to-actions-the-new-civic-path-book-circles.html.

Timestamps 

• 00:00-00:52 Introductions
• 00:52-01:52 Rich Harwood's The New Civic Path Book Signing
• 01:53-05:23 Cheri's Takeaways from The New Civic Path
• 05:24-6:55 What are the Book Circles and Why are We Doing Them
• 6:56-9:01 Cheri's Aspirations for the Book Circles
• 9:02-11:50 Book Circles are about Shared Aspirations
• 11:51-13:39 How to Sign Up 
• 13:40-15:01 Who's the Right Person for a Book Circle
• 15:02-17:13 Aspirations to Actions at The Patterson Foundation
• 17:14-18:26 DeSoto County Ahead
• 18:27-20:24 Cheri's Final Pitch for Book Circles
• 20:25-21:47 Concluding Info on the Book Circles

Links to Learn More

• The Harwood Institute for Pubic Innovation 
• Book Circle Interest Form 
• Strengthening the Impact 

Connect Beyond The Blog

• https://www.facebook.com/richharwood
• https://www.instagram.com/rich__harwood/#
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcharwood/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@rich_harwood
• https://x.com/richharwood

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! 

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Rich Harwood's manifesto, The New Civic Path: Restoring Our Belief in One Another and Our Nation, boldly lays out a new path forward by which Americans might come together, amid our real divides, and create change. He's not a politician. But he's on a campaign to spread this message to every corner of the country. In this podcast, TPF Fellow Andrew Spector talks with Rich about why he wrote The New Civic Path and his hopes for what people will do after reading it.

Note: With the release of The New Civic Path, The Patterson Foundation is launching a series of book circles across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. These book circles will offer a welcoming space to explore how we can face today's challenges with greater purpose, hope, and civic confidence. Through guided conversations, participants will reflect on ways to build deeper relationships and co-create communities that are more inclusive, responsive, and resilient. Learn more at https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/aspirations-to-actions-the-new-civic-path-book-circles.html.

Timestamps

• 00:00-00:22 Introductions
• 00:23-01:46 Why Rich wrote "The New Civic Path"
• 01:47-04:39 Two conceptions of "enough"
• 04:40-08:23 What is and isn't "The New Civic Path"
• 08:24-11:17 Why our central challenge is a "crisis of belief"
• 11:18-16:25 False hope vs. authentic hope
• 16:26-23:49 How to show up in politically diverse communities
• 23:50-32:21 "If you save one life, you save the world"
• 32:22-40:24 Patriotism of devotion
• 40:25-44:23 Bias towards action
• 44:24-46:18 Aspirations for readers of "The New Civic Path"
• 46:19-48:11 The Patterson Foundation and The Harwood Institute partnership
• 48:12-51:46 Shared aspirations
• 51:47-54:50 Why "The New Civic Path" Book Circles
• 54:51-56:38 Don't give up
• 56:39-57:04 Closing

Links to Learn More

• https://theharwoodinstitute.org/newcivicpath
• https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXTdP-SlJ0PLyK9VebWBgdHv6i3gi5btKsJSkRL5LEIcr7fw/viewform
• https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/aspirations-to-actions-the-new-civic-path-book-circles.html
• https://www.thepattersonfoundation.org/blog/a2a/the-new-civic-path/restoring-hope-through-the-new-civic-path-with-rich-harwood.html

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Join Andrew Spector on Twitter: @AndrewLSpector
• https://www.facebook.com/richharwood
• https://www.instagram.com/rich__harwood/#
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardcharwood/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@rich_harwood
• https://x.com/richharwood

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Vickie Oldham, President and CEO of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC), shares how her approach to fundraising shifted after participating in The Patterson Foundation’s Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Before the program, Vickie relied primarily on grant writing to support her organization. Afterward, she began focusing on donor stewardship, building relationships, and exploring various funding strategies, including major gifts and annual giving.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, Vickie explains how the program changed her thinking, why fundraising is more than just tactics, and how she’s preparing for a capital campaign with the support of new tools and knowledge. If you work in or support nonprofits, this conversation offers practical takeaways on evolving your fundraising efforts.

Timestamps

• 00:00 - Introducing Vickie Oldham, President and CEO of Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition (SAACC)
• 02:35 - How Vickie joined Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
• 03:57 - What is Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?
• 07:16 - What surprised you the most about Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?
• 10:20 - How Vickie’s fundraising approach evolved
• 12:49 - How did Fueling Dynamic Fundraising allow you to further deliver on your mission?
• 13:35 - What is the most important thing you learned from Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?
• 15:35 - How has Fueling Dynamic Fundraising positioned you for success in the future?
• 18:35 - What should everyone know about Fueling Dynamic Fundraising?

Links to Learn More 

• The Sarasota African American Cultural Center
• Fueling Dynamic Fundraising 

Connect Beyond The Blog
Connect with Read Corley on LinkedIn
Connect with Vickie Oldham on LinkedIn

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In this episode, Laurie sits down with Beth Duda and Karen Windon to explore how summer can be a time of learning, growth, and connection, not lost progress. From simple tools like the Five Finger Rule to powerful programs like THIS BOOK IS COOL! and the Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge, they share how families and communities are helping children stay engaged and excited about reading all summer long.

Timestamps

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:14 -  Karen discusses her approach to summer learning and how she invites people in
• 03:09 - Karen talks about the ways SCGLR supports families during the summer months (SSRC, TBIC)
• 07:40 - Karen shares how families and organizations can get involved
• 08:57 - Karen shares a story that captures the spirit of her work
• 10:49 - Karen shares tips on how to keep learning fun all summer long
• 13:35 -  Beth discusses why summer learning is such a vital focus for SCGLR
• 19:42 - Beth gives pointers on how to determine your child’s reading level
• 20:52 - Beth breaks down “The 5 Finger Rule”
• 22:48 - Beth talks about SCGLR’s signature programs, THIS BOOK IS COOL! and SUNCOAST SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
• 26:23 - Big Picture Small Steps
• 26:37 - Beth Shares her biggest aspiration for SCGLR
• 27:26 - Beth boils it down to one step parents can do to help support summer learning
• 29:46 - Connecting with Kids

Links to Learn More 

• SCGLR Website
• THIS BOOK IS COOL! Webisodes 
• Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge + This Kid is Cool! Music Video
• Learning Heroes
• SCGLR Calendar for Family Engagement Events 
• Volunteer with SCGLR
• Blog: Summer Learning: Beating the Summer Slide One Book at a Time

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Beth on Instagram @bethduda10 or X @duda_beth
• Karen on X @KarenWindon

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Through The Bay, the community is engaged in a multi-year journey to fulfill its vision to transform 53 acres of the city’s most precious land on Sarasota’s bayfront into a public park that is free, open, and welcoming to our diverse region while offering fitness, health, cultural, recreational, and educational activities and events. From the early beginnings, The Patterson Foundation (TPF)  has supported The Bay as a community-driven aspiration.

Throughout its evolution, The Bay has been defined by a sense of inclusiveness that aligns with TPF’s tenets. To dive deeper into the why and how behind The Bay’s transformation, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, is joined by A.G. Lafley, the Founding CEO of the Bay Park Conservancy.

Timestamps 

• 2:06- Providing the historical context
• 4:00 - The Patterson Foundation offers to support this community aspiration 
• 5:29 - The Bay’s Evolution 
• 7:00 - Engaging AG
• 9:05 - Public/Private Partnerships
• 10:45 - Leveraging Matches and Finding Funding
• 11:30 - Value of TPF’s Leadership and Support
• 14:03 - The Alignment with The Bay & TPF’s Values
• 17:16 - Selecting The Master Planning Group 
• 21:34 -  Developing a Plan with Community Input
• 26:21 - Phase 1 of The Bay
• 30:20 - Funding The Bay Step By Step
• 30:31 - Kicking off the first capital Campaign for Phase One 
• 32:36 - Engaging The Five Foundations in our Region
• 33:32 - The Patterson Foundation’s 2nd Match
• 36:03 -  Impact of Unrestricted Funds
• 42:00 - Aspirations Moving Forward
• 44:34 - Making The Bay Free for All
• 48:00 - Building More Park in Phase 2

Links to Learn More 

• The Bay Sarasota
• Celebrating Continued Community Impact and Momentum at The Bay With $1 Million Capping Gift
• Blog: From Aspiration to Reality The Bay Parks Journey of Transformation

Connect Beyond The Blog

• Facebook: The Bay Sarasota 
• Instagram: thebaysarasota
• Connect with AG Lafley on LinkedIn
• Connect with Debra Jacobs on LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, we sit down with Leah McDermott from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance to unpack the power and importance of advocacy for nonprofit organizations. Leah shares real-life examples—including how FNA helped protect Selby Gardens from burdensome property taxes—and offers practical tips for engaging boards, navigating legal boundaries, and building a clear policy agenda. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to refine your strategy, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to make a bigger impact. Tune in to learn how smart, strategic advocacy can strengthen your mission and community impact.

Timestamps

• (01:47) Why is "Advocacy" so scary for nonprofit organizations?
• (02:47) How do you define "Advocacy"?
• (03:47) About Florida Nonprofit Alliance
• (05:37) Can nonprofits lobby?
• (07:37) What types of advocacy can nonprofits partake in that is not lobbying?
• (09:57) Why is it important for nonprofits to advocate?
• (11:27) What resources does the Florida Nonprofit Alliance provide?
• (13:27) Examples of items Florida Nonprofit Alliance Lobbies for
• (15:57) Main takeaways from FNA Advocacy Workshops
• (16:57) Getting the board on board with advocacy
• (19:17) Be strategic in what you advocate for

Links to Learn More
Link to Selby Article mentioned
Florida Nonprofit Alliance Website
Nonprofit Advocacy 101 Workshop Sign up
Why Advocacy Isn't Just for Lobbyists with Leah McDermott

Connect Beyond The Blog
Connect with Read Corley on LinkedIn
Connect with Leah McDermott on LinkedIn

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