Why We Tribe! There is Power in the Connection

I can remember being a 2nd-year teacher, having just relocated and starting at a new school and hearing the words, “Oh, she’ll do it, we can just tell.” You see, the school that I had been hired at also had just hired a new principal, and the lead teachers wanted to welcome the new principal in a meaningful way. They planned a skit to introduce the teachers to the new principal. They brought out a gown and crown and told me to put it on and play a part. And let me tell you, I was very uncomfortable but went along with the group and instantly gained confidence. It was an initiation of sorts to my first tribe! It was also the beginning of a decade of learning and growing with an incredible group of educators. It turned out the new principal, Dr. Jean Quigg was a passionate learner and expected the same of those that worked alongside her. I instantly had a tribe and a group to belong to that was striving for change and making things better. I was lucky.

I need to be around people who have ideas and who are excited about creating learning opportunities for others. Having felt the power of a tribe early in my career, I have continually sought out communities where I felt connected. Looking back, I have been connected to a tribe at each school that I have worked at over the years.

Seth Godin wrote a book titled “Tribes.” Those who know me well know that Seth Godin is one of my favorite people to read, listen to and watch. I find wisdom and encouragement in his work. I have this AWESOME book that compiles much of his writing. (I just have to show you how huge it is!)​
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Godin makes the point that there has been a shift in how change occurs in the world today. You use to need a publisher, money, and luck to be able to share a message or create change. Today the web gives us all the opportunity to connect and lead without the permission that was once needed.

​Four years ago I found a new tribe through Twitter.  A tribe that spans the nation geographically. The Compelled Tribe is a blogging tribe and Voxer group that provides support and encouragement for learning. The Compelled Tribe is led by Jennifer Hogan, Craig Vroom, and Jonathon Wennstrom.  My journey with the Compelled Tribe has been one of encouragement, learning, and reflection. I have had a love-hate relationship with blogging but have grown to really value it's contribution to my learning through the Compelled Tribe. I love looking back at what I have learned and/or created and seeing how I have changed or grown over time.  But, the struggle to express myself doesn’t come easy.

This post is in response to a prompt the Compelled Tribe put out this month asking each of us “Why We Tribe?” I believe in the power of a tribe because it connects me to other people who have ideas and knowledge that I can learn from. The tribe also encourages me to take new learning and make meaning of it through blogging and sharing with others.  And being in a tribe means that I have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger. Creating change in our schools sometimes feels impossible. My connection and investment in the tribe gives me hope that together we can learn and make a difference collectively.

Have you found your tribe? I would love to know how the connection has impacted you.