An experiment - Tapping civic life of schools

Years ago I requested "Tapping Civic Life," a Pew Center for Civic Journalism workbook. The subtitle of the book was "How to Report First, and Best, What's Happening In Your Community."

The book discusses how to tap into different civic layers other than the official and private layers. It discusses finding out who the catalysts are, including those who work more behind the scenes but still influence the community.

I wanted to try this out when I was heavy into diversity, but found it too far-reaching of an effort at the time. I found the book the other day while cleaning out the garage and figured that I'd try it out on the education beat.

I already know the officials, such as superintendents and some of the school board members around the county. I need to identify the parents and teachers, the union leaders who also shape policy or are the first to speak up when something's amiss.

I'll write about my experiences as I go along. It should be an interesting project. Hopefully it will help me find some story ideas that have a bit more context than covering events and the yearly school report cards issued by my state's department of education.

So it's time to tap and see what I can brew.