So many times I'm thankful for the learning that goes on at a conference. I enjoy seeing all the amazing people from my PLN and meeting new people to expand my PLN. I love the energy that surrounds learning and education conversations. Often, prior to a conference, we will share about sessions we may be considering, make dinner plans, talk about what we hope to get out of or add to the conference, but for ISTE the conversation shifted to "What is it that we feel we can give to the city and the people of Philadelphia?”
The idea of giving back is nothing original, but it is so extremely valuable. While listening to one of the best young educators Sara Boucher (@MsGeekyTeach) as she shared a story about how one restaurant in Philadelphia that was giving to the homeless, I caught her enthusiasm. She was hoping to get a group of us to visit that pizza place while at ISTE. Her excitement for the story spawned the start of something that we are hoping expands and catches fire among attendees and those #NotAtISTE alike.
Rosa's Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia has had some recent press coverage including being on the Ellen Show for their efforts to give slices of pizza to the homeless of the local community. The hopes are to have ISTE attendees flood this local business with free slices of pizza which would be used to serve any homeless who may be in need of a meal. As the discussion continued, it blossomed beyond just a small group of friends headed over for a slice, into a planning session for ways we could help the community of Philadelphia in many ways, thanks to Tracy Clark.
So join this simple movement in giving back to the city we have the opportunity to travel to for education conferences. Buy a slice of pizza for a homeless person at Rosa's or find another way to contribute to the local community. Join Tracy Clark, John Stevens, Karl Lindgren-Streicher, Victoria Olson, Sara and I by looking for ways to give as we all travel to Philadelphia. Please share about your plans for giving back by using #SliceOfISTE on Twitter or Instagram.
Not going to ISTE? You can still give or plan similar type activities at the next conference you attend. Thanks for reading. Be sure to follow @SliceOfISTE for updates and info on opportunities to give back during ISTE 2015. Check out some of my other blog posts on education.
