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Seeing the current Exchange Leadership Initiative (ELI) call for applicants, Francis Wardle shared this, "Recently I was discussing my book, Oh Boy, with a group of early childhood teachers and specialists. One of them recounted an experience she had on the playground. She noticed a group of boys had congregated next to the fence and they were attentively watching a maintenance man pushing a cart full of wood and tools to a maintenance project. She marveled at the children’s obvious interest!"

Wardle continues, "Men bring unique perspectives, ideas and behaviors to our programs. They are not better than those of women – they are simply different, and thus expand the choices and opportunities for all of our children – both boys and girls – and families. We owe it to our children to dramatically increase the number of men throughout our programs. One important way to do this is to profile the men who are already working in our field. Thus I strongly encourage men to apply to be Exchange Leaders – or to nominate someone they know."

Exchange strives to elevate leaders not based on conventional notions of visibility or status, but those who do the real daily work of leading deep thinking and action with and on behalf of children, families and colleagues. We need that leadership to represent who we really are – people of all backgrounds, across age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, learning styles, special health care needs, religion, faith, philosophy, socioeconomic status, national origin, culture, marital status, languages spoken, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, as well as differences in ideas, thoughts, values, and beliefs.

Nominate a colleague or apply today. Anyone may nominate a colleague, but nominees must complete their own application and obtain letters of recommendation specific to ELI. The selection process is not competitive but is based on meeting criteria around leadership, roles, knowledge base and spirit! Learn more, apply or nominate at exchangepress.com/leadership.

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