Ready, set, let’s do this.

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

If you’re interested in being part of the project, Stories from the Field, and happen to work in the Expanded Learning World, let’s do this. I wrote this introductory letter to help share what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and what it all means. I hope this helps! Still have questions, message away! mike@thatmiketaylor.com

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I truly appreciate you taking the time to be part of this, Expanded Learning Advocacy Project - Stories from the Field. For me, it’s the nexus of the professional community I call home, my photography obsession, and people. My goal with this project is simple - uplift the folks who do the work, build awareness of our outstanding our workforce, and share what we do with folks how just might want to join us. From the first time I chatted with a program leader it became clear that the pathways taken by those in the Expanded Learning field vary. Some are direct, some wander a bit until they find home. 

I love making images, and, I don’t believe stand alone images can fully capture our attention anymore. So, the plan is to create portraits and stories that capture attention, stop people, and make them lean in and think, “what’s going on here”? This is where you come in! 

I want to hear your story, why the work matters to you, how it impacts your life and how it impacts the lives of the students, families and staff you work with. I’m especially curious to learn about how you started in this work, where you see yourself going, and what you need to get there. Then, I want to share that story with decision makers, policy makers, neighbors, legislators, employers… the list goes on.