Until this fall, SAM’s most recent national spotlight was the op-ed written by NY Times Columnist David Brooks “A Really Good Thing Happening in America,” published in October 2018. The bottom line - we couldn’t have said it better ourselves!
When members of the SAM team went to the national StriveTogether Convening in September, we were blown away as Brooks said from the opening plenary stage that he “never forgot his first StriveTogether love - the Spartanburg Academic Movement.”
It was not until late October when we received a call to our office asking about our impact model, referenced in Brooks’ book: The Second Mountain, that we even knew we were mentioned in the book. Even more humbling was that our reference was part of the culmination of Brooks’ treatise on leading a meaningful life in self-centered world.
SAM was also highlighted in the FORBES article highlighting the public-private child-centered approach to change and community development. The article also highlighted the impact BMW has had on transitioning Spartanburg County out of its former textile-driven economy.
This kind of national attention has resulted in multiple communities sending representatives to visit SAM’s team and learn about the StriveTogether model we employ to build economic mobility in Spartanburg County anchored in academic success.
SAM’s staff and Board of SAM appreciate the recognition from so many and are humbled by it. It serves to help our local community at large take heart knowing that there is a special emphasis being placed on community building that is child and family centered, county-wide, using a proven model for impact. We believe the collective impact of organizations spanning sectors like health, housing, education and more can influence outcomes for every child and are dedicated to bringing all together to take collaborative action that improves the lives of children and families.