Voice on Demand Network
Early childhood professionals agree – our voices MUST be heard by those whose decisions influence the work we do with Ohio’s young children. Whether it’s policymakers in the Ohio legislature, decision-makers in state agencies, or funders looking for the best investment, they need to hear from us on important topics and critical decisions. But how??
The Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children is the only organization in the state that represents the interests and the voice of professionals working with young children. That means that we have the unique potential to gather the opinions of early childhood practitioners across the state and share them with decision-makers at the point where it can have the greatest impact. As an association, we are ready to turn that potential into power through the Voice-on-Demand Network (VoD-Network).
And that’s where you come in!
Ohio AEYC is recruiting members who would be willing to share their opinions, thoughts and suggestions when a decision is in the making. Here’s how it will work:
· Your name is added to our “Voices on Demand” Network member list.
· Through the involvement of the state board members and staff on state-level committees and advisory groups, we become aware of a specific decision that is being deliberated or an action that is being considered that would affect a large number of early childhood professionals across the state.
· Ohio AEYC staff create and send to you a brief, simple e-mail survey asking for your thoughts on the issue.
· You complete the survey and send it back during the quick turn-around window given.
· Staff compile the survey results and ensure that they are then shared with decision-makers in the most effective way.
Result: Decision-makers are given timely, relevant, representative information from the field that will help guide their choices. The collective voice of professionals becomes an integral part of the development of Ohio’s early childhood system.
This is a simple but powerful way that Ohio AEYC members can be involved in shaping the future of the early care and education profession in Ohio.
FAQs:
· Who is being invited to be a part of the Voice-on-Demand Network?
o All current members with a working e-mail address are being invited to participate. As new members join, they will be invited to participate in the VoD-Network within their first year.
· How frequent will the requests for feedback be? I don’t want a ton of e-mail surveys!!
o We don’t expect to send out more than 4-6 requests per calendar year to any individual Network member. For some issues, it will be appropriate to only contact a particular group of members (e.g., directors, family child care providers, SUTQ centers).
· How much time would a survey typically take?
o We know your time is valuable, so we will keep the surveys brief – no more than 15 minutes to complete and send back.
· Can I forward the survey to other people?
o In order for decision-makers to respect the integrity of our input, we need to ensure that our data gathering process stays limited to invited members of Ohio AEYC. But it would be perfectly fine to direct interested friends or colleagues to the website to become a member! Being part of the Voice on Demand network is only one of several ways that members can be involved.
· Do I have to commit to completing every survey? What if I just don’t have the time or interest to respond to one?
o We understand that you may not be able to respond to every survey. VoD-Network members will have the option of declining. But if three surveys in a row go unanswered, we would contact you about reconsidering your ability to be involved in this way.
· How long of a commitment are you asking for?
o That’s up to you. As long as you have an interest, desire and ability to be involved in this way, you are welcome to stay. You will have the freedom to end your involvement in the VoD-Network at any time – we just ask that you let us know.