Ten years ago, Sir Ken Robinson—author, researcher, and expert on education and creativity—took the stage at a TED Conference to challenge the way we're educating our children and rethink how we cultivate creativity. It quickly became one of the most viewed and shared TED Talks in history. “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original,” he said. 

I recently had the amazing experience of introducing Sir Ken before a crowd of 1,700 people at the Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Lecture series, sharing how proud I am to work with so many thought-leaders in philanthropy at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Throughout his lecture, Sir Ken reflected on the importance of upending conventional ways of thinking and launching a creative revolution to tap into people’s natural talents and passions. In so many ways, Sir Ken’s philosophy resonates with the spirit of philanthropy. For many donors, charitable giving is a way to cultivate and initiate innovative ideas which wouldn’t fit the status-quo. These ideas have the power to solve challenges and transform our community. 

Because of generous and forward-thinking people who care about the future of our community, the Community Foundation has reframed the way we support vulnerable students—moving from a child-centered approach to a family-centered approach. Breaking the cycles of intergenerational poverty is an investment in economic assistance, education, social capital and the health and well-being of both parents and their children. This “Two-Gen” approach, inspired by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, is woven into our strategic work with our nonprofit partners.  

The Great Futures Academy at Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is one shining example of achievement. This 11-week program ensures that students from low-income families do not fall behind over the summer months, impacting their ability to read on grade level. Children receive targeted reading instruction from a certified teacher, participate in other Club programing, and attend weekly cultural experiences. A contracted social worker engages with families to tackle their challenges together and parents are encouraged to participate in adult classes.  

This creative combination is impactful. None of the participating students experienced learning “slide” and several students made learning gains. Parents participate in weekly nutrition classes, a cyber safety session, first aid/CPR training and parenting classes covering effective discipline and navigating the school system.  

It is now more vital than ever that we as a community rethink fragmented approaches to systemic issues and engage multiple partners in solutions. We are fortunate that in Sarasota County, nonprofits, donors, citizens, the School District and foundations are working together on solutions that are framed with the whole family at the heart. And they also join together to build fun learning opportunities that bring the community together. 

On March 2, Read Across America Day and the birthday of Dr. Seuss, Embracing Our Differences and the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading joined forces to bring volunteer readers into Sarasota and Manatee county classrooms, stimulating conversations about diversity, bullying and respect for others and raising awareness about the importance of reading proficiently by the end of third grade. Together with The Patterson Foundation and United Way of Manatee, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County was pleased to join forces with this creative opportunity. 

If there’s one thing any resident of Sarasota County knows, it’s that we have no short supply of creativity. As you go about your lives, think about how you can become a champion for cultivating creativity to ensure we get the best out of all people, whether it’s children, colleagues or friends. 

And remember, you can be the one to make a difference. 

Roxie Jerde is the president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.