Reply to the following discussion post....

How do big ideas, that help students succeed, move to the top of the organization?According to a $2020$ piece from the American Council on Education $($Lester$),$ tools that can help foster change and the passage of important initiatives in a college include adding diverse voices into the strategic planning process and having goals that allow for flexibility, imagination, and innovation $($p$.$ iii$)$; fostering relationships, teams, and collaboration; leveraging data in making a case for something; and ensuring organizational structures and policies allow for change. Without a culture and organizational set$-$up that facilitates the passage of big ideas, colleges are doomed to a stagnant, status quo approach which will not allow it to remain competitive. It could be argued that the right leadership, including the board and president, is at the heart of this mindset. In thinking back to our last course, a discussion about the role of organizational politics also seems warranted here. Additionally, any big idea needs to have the proper funding in order to have any hope of evolving into a new practice or policy. How does your local community college communicate with the broader community?Our local community college does an excellent job branding and promoting itself and uses the following mechanisms to communicate with the broader community:Social media$-$ The college leverages free online tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to meet students where they are in a cost$-$efficient manner. This also allows for two$-$way engagement by giving students a platform to express ideas.Traditional marketing$-$ The college uses traditional marketing tools such as direct mailers, billboards, radio and television ads to engage with current and potential students.Sponsorships and relationships with local businesses$-$ The college has close relationships with the business community and often partners with local leaders on things like career fairs, manufacturing expos, and non$-$credit courses aimed at lifelong skills development.Relationships with local schools$-$ The college works closely with local high schools, particularly in their dual enrollment efforts.Foundation$-$The college has a stand$-$alone Foundation that raises money for scholarships. These community leaders act as an important voice for promoting the college and the ability of all community members to take advantage of its offerings, regardless of economic status. How can community college leadership be more visible, proactive, both to listen and promote significant programmatic successes to a broader audience? In other words, how do they show, on a regular basis, that they are listening to the needs of the community?One thing our college does, that I believe is really beneficial, is solicit community feedback during its strategic planning process. This allows community leaders, parents, potential students, and the like to have a voice in the direction of the college. Additionally, the board of trustees is very good about putting issues in the public spotlight and, when there are elections, candidates often participate in events to allow voters to express their concerns to potential elected officials. As a member of our local chamber of commerce board of directors, one area where I think college leadership could be more proactive is by getting a leadership role in our group so that they better understand what business leaders and hiring managers in the area are looking for from graduates. I also believe that town hall style events on a regular basis, and perhaps even Facebook live sessions, could ensure the channels of communication remain open and free between the college and the broader community. ReferencesLester, J$.(2020).$ Tools in a toolbox: Leading change in community colleges. Washington, DC: American Council on Education.