It Takes a Village

Abstract

This chapter highlights the critical role of community involvement and volunteerism in children's growth beyond traditional educational settings. Drawing from my experiences as an educator, advocate, and parent, I discuss how community support enhances children's emotional, social, and academic development. Utilizing Critical Theory and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), the chapter emphasizes challenging inequities and leveraging community strengths. Through a summer reading program with diverse volunteers, it showcases how mobilizing local resources fosters empowerment. By focusing on strengths and inclusivity, this chapter illustrates how community engagement can break down systemic barriers, ensuring every child feels valued and supported. It advocates for collective responsibility in nurturing future generations and underscores the transformative power of community-led initiatives.