@thebasicsinc

Two weeks ago we were in Greensboro, NC wrapping up the #BLN2023 Annual Conference with leaders from 40 The Basics communities. Thanks to everyone who supported, presented & attended! We're ready to build on all the positive energy! Recap video: bit.ly/3spMSeK

Thank you for joining us at #BLN2023 in #Greensboro, where we shared how to implement The Basics across communities and learned best practices for engaging parents and caregivers.

Do texts from The Basics change behaviors? In a word: yes. #BLN2023

And we love this video! Thanks so much for the dance party! #BLN2023

#BLN2023: Wisdom lies in your community. Wisdom lies in the connections between people. Wisdom lies in the families.

"Evidence-based" is a golden phrase for @MedicaidGov, state government organizations and #healthcare funders. #BNP2023

Tip for bringing The Basics to a #hospital: Board members can introduce you to the C-suite. The Basics take off when there's an internal champion at the table. #BLN2023

Oh! Another gem of a partnership idea: Barbers and beauticians. #BLN2023

Another good partnership tip: Talk to a representative from Master Gardeners. They might be able to help you create a space to help families plant flowers and grow their own food! #BLN2023

Pitching a #healthcare provider as a Basics partner? Try this line: "Nobody gives parents a guidebook when they leave the hospital with their newborn. The Basics fills that gap." #BLN2023

#BLN2023 attendees: Ask for more money. Show how the connected system works. Everyone gains when community partners work together, advises Megan LaFaivre from @4school4life.

So true! Books and bubbles can work miracles at a doctor's office, says Janet Groce-Fields, a @HealthyStepsZTT specialist at @CHSNC. How can you bring The Basics to #healthcare providers in your community? #BLN2023

#BLN2023 attendees: Looking for a community partner? Take a look at family literacy programs, advises @4school4life. Also, some great book recommendations:

Ready to pitch The Basics to community organizations? Ron Ferguson says that you've got to build trust, fluently explain the science behind the program and show why working together is beneficial. #BLN2023

Great examples from @playfullearning about how their team has helped create joyful learning opportunities for all children! #BLN2023

Sarah Lytle from @playfullearning reminds attendees: "You learn when you're happy." #BLN2023

So true. "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice," says Brian L. Wright. "Children have read the world around them before they've read a book." #BLN2023

A big takeaway from #BLN2023: Organizations don't work with organizations. People work with people. Closeness of relationships with your community partners matters. Who is in your cell phone? And do they have your number?

Donte Sheppard from @StuderInstitute encourages #BLN2023 attendees to think about how to retain families who sign up to get texts from The Basics. "To retain, you've got to make a connection. People forget facts, but not what pulls at their heart."