Meeting the Centennial Challenge: Achieving Montessori's Vision in the 21st Century

Montessori Life, Spring 2004 by Dugan, Marie M

Soon, we will mark the 100th anniversary of a groundbreaking idea. When Dr. Maria Montessori opened "A Children's House" in 1907, she unlocked a door that has forever ehanged the way we look at the link between child development and education. Milestones, sueh as this, often become catalysts for reflection, recognition and rejuvenation. As AMS prepares for Montessori 's Centennial Celebration in 2007, we are renewing our commitment to advancing principles and practices that encourage better outcomes for all children. Now more than ever, Montessori education is poised to play a significant part in informing contemporary educational practice.

To take us there, AMS will embark on an ambitious agenda that will bring Montessori into the mainstream by promoting flexibility and inclusion. Our concentration areas, which are based on the AMS strategic plan, include: Quality Assurance, Teacher Education and Professional Growth, the Montessori Access Program, Public Policy/Advocacy, Research and Best Practice/Knowledge Exchange. I encourage you to visit our web site to view the AMS case statement where these priorities are outlined in greater detail.

Our proposed agenda, which involves expansion and enhancement of current programs, will require incremental resources. In 2003, AMS launched a new resource development initiative, the Centennial Campaign, with the goal of raising $1.25 million from individuals, foundations, schools, corporations and other supporters. Many of you may know about the campaign either through the pages of Montessori Life, from a recent AMS conference presentation, or via one of the dedicated volunteers and staff members working to ensure our financial success. The organization's Centennial Fund Committee, co-chaired by Marilyn Stewart and me, is spearheading this multi-year effort with strategic guidance from our fundraising consultant, Maria Puglisi. I am grateful for the support of this committee as AMS embarks on this unprecedented fundraising initiative. I appreciate the members who are generously giving of their time, expertise and resources. I hope many of you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas with a committee member in the months to come, and to add your support by way of a contribution to the campaign.

Funds raised through the Centennial Campaign are critically important if we are to realize the vision of Montessori in the 21st Century. Last fall, we began reaching out to several Montessori friends to reconnect, gather ideas and ask for their support in the form of leadership gifts to the campaign. I am pleased to tell you that as of May 2004, we have raised $194,450 during this initial appeal. This leadership giving phase will continue through this summer to jumpstart the campaign-a key component as we develop relationships with new funding sources that are aligned with Montessori's mission. On behalf of the entire organization, I salute all of you who have come forward to demonstrate a clear and strong commitment to AMS. We will continue to recognize campaign supporters in future issues of Montessori Life and on the AMS web site.

Beyond garnering important financial support, the Centennial Campaign allows us to rediscover and acknowledge those in our community who are responsible for Montessori's first century of success. Montessori education does make a difference in the lives of children. I have enjoyed meeting some of the key players-Montessori teachers, teacher educators, school founders, heads of schools, parents and others who have made positive educational outcomes a reality. In December, I joined a group of Montessori friends for a lovely gathering at the Manhattan home of Lesley and Robert Haberman. We shared stories, celebrated our achievements, and engaged in lively dialogue about the direction of our organization. AMS is planning similar activities across the nation, including one in Texas on October 9, hosted by Joyce and Robert Pickering, and another in the Heartland on October 16, hosted by Louise and Michael Kunert and Celma and Desmond Perry. I look forward to hearing from more of you as we shape the future of AMS to better serve your needs.

The Centennial Campaign is our organization's strategic major gifts initiative. We purposely set giving levels and multi-year pledge options to offer flexibility to our prospective donors. If you would like to support AMS, but feel you are unable to give at the leadership levels, pleasejoin other Centennial Friends with your donation in any amount. We appreciate and need every gift as we promote the benefits of Montessori education across the broader, national educational landscape.

Look for more news about the Centennial Campaign in upcoming issues of Montessori Life. We will keep you apprised of our progress and the exciting plans for the 2007 celebration. I hope you will join me in making this milestone an important turning point in the history of Montessori in America.

Centennial Campaign Leadership Gifts

AMS Board of Directors