GO Campaign and Future Ties share a belief that lasting change begins with people closest to the work. This joint interview brings together GO Campaign board member Tynesha Williams and Future Ties leader Jennifer Maddox to discuss how local leadership, parent engagement, and sustained partnership are shaping school communities in Chicago and beyond. Their conversation outlines how investing in parents strengthens schools, supports students, and builds community-led solutions that last.
What ties the GO Campaign and Future Ties together in this partnership?
Tynesha Williams: GO Campaign exists to support people who are already doing the work in their communities. We believe local leaders understand their challenges better than anyone else, and our role is to help them sustain and grow that work.
Jennifer Maddox: That belief aligns directly with our mission. Future Ties focuses on strengthening schools by empowering parents. You can’t support young people without supporting the families and communities around them, and GO Campaign understands that.
What led Future Ties to place a significant focus on the importance of parent leadership in their initiatives?
Maddox: We initially centered our work on young people, but we quickly realized that lasting change required engaging parents as well. We now operate a parent leadership program in 11 elementary schools where parents receive training on school culture, trauma-informed practices, and adverse childhood experiences. Parents begin with assessments to identify their needs and then set goals that support stability within their households. As we worked with students on social-emotional learning, it became clear parents needed access to those same tools.
Why does GO Campaign prioritize locally led organizations like Future Ties?
Williams: Local leaders have already identified the problems and begun addressing them. They are from the communities they serve, which makes their work more effective. GO Campaign doesn’t come in pretending we have all the answers. We support the people who are already on the ground. Our goal is sustainability. We want organizations to continue long after a single grant cycle ends.
How does parent leadership influence the dynamics and effectiveness of schools?
Maddox: When parents are present in schools, it changes the culture. Students see that their families care about what happens inside the building. Parents move from feeling disconnected to becoming active participants in learning environments. We support parents in joining Parent Advisory Councils and Local School Councils so they can have a voice in school decision-making and help address challenges families face.
What barriers do parents face when trying to engage with schools?
Maddox: Background checks are one challenge, especially when past issues prevent parents from volunteering years later. We help parents navigate that process and work with schools to rebuild trust. Another barrier is simply not feeling welcome. Future Ties introduces parents to school leadership and encourages participation in events and programs so relationships can grow over time.
How does GO Campaign decide where to invest its resources?
Williams: We have a review committee that evaluates organizations based on their mission, impact, financials, and needs. We look at where our support can help push an organization forward and increase its reach.
GO Campaign often supports small organizations. Why is that important?
Williams: Smaller organizations usually have clear goals and strong ties to their communities. Even modest funding can make a meaningful difference. People often assume it takes large amounts of money to create impact, but that isn’t always true.
Beyond funding, how does GO Campaign support its partners?
Williams: We stay engaged. That includes mentorship, financial guidance, and ongoing communication. Partners can reach out for advice and support as they grow. It’s not a one-time transaction.
In what ways has the support from GO Campaign influenced the development and initiatives of Future Ties?
Maddox: GO Campaign has been a consistent partner that invests in both our immediate needs and long-term growth. Their continued engagement shows a commitment to our sustainability and expansion.
How does Black History Month connect to the February 16th event in Chicago?
Maddox: All of the principals being recognized are African American. Black History Month offered an opportunity to honor their leadership and highlight how their schools support their communities.
What role do parents play in building school community beyond the classroom?
Maddox: Our parent ambassadors volunteer beyond school hours to host family events, wellness activities, and gatherings that bring school communities together. Parents also connect with families during arrival and dismissal to share resources and information. These efforts help parents feel informed, connected, and empowered.
In what ways does this event generate lasting momentum that extends beyond a single day?
Maddox: The response from principals and community leaders was immediate. Being recognized by parents created energy and validation. We also invited school board members, area chiefs, and state legislators, many of whom confirmed their attendance.
What do you hope audiences take away from this partnership?
Williams: Communities are capable of solving their own challenges. When local leaders are supported, the impact multiplies.
Maddox: Parent leadership matters. When parents are empowered, schools are stronger and students are better supported.
Be’n Original
