community*the common unity*we’re all in this together*community*the common unity*
we’re all in this together*community*the common unity*we’re all in this together*community
the common unity*we’re all in this together

View the SideBySide Blog

From time to time we’ll post information about Side by Side, our staff, new programs, feedback and testimonials from programs we’ve conducted and press coverage of our work. If you would like us to post something about your campus’ progress in building community or seek help or support from others click here - the community - and we’ll make sure it gets shared

"As we were planning our annual KIPP to College retreat for a network of 82 schools across the country we were looking for a motivational speaker who could really deliver a message. Al Herring was highly recommended to us and man did he deliver! While he was scheduled to speak at our dinner event he arrived early, spent the day casually engaging our participants, and even facilitated a breakout session! When it came time to deliver his address, he had already proven himself to be “one of us.” He challenged us to appreciate the power of “community” and the collective impact we have to advance the work of transforming America’s schools and students. His message was inspiring and helped to heighten our understanding of the value of collaboration and sharing. Al has great technique and creative ways of bringing people together. We gave him the place and time, and he did all the rest.

SAWUBONA!"

Craig Robinson,
National Director of Alumni Services, KIPP Foundation

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“A staff member recommended Al Herring and encouraged me to hire him to facilitator our High School Leadership Retreat.He not only transformed our students but also the staff and myself. Al has a way of helping young and old develop their leadership skills in a thoughtful and enjoyable manner. He is able to breakdown walls of fear and resistance and instill in people confidence and a desire and willingness to share with others. Through his work, which is a mix of art, improv, lecture, discussion and reflective writing, participants are able to develop insightful understanding of their own strengths and weakness as well as how to collaborate with their fellow classmates. He worked with our staff to develop a three year Leadership Program that motivates and inspires our students to decide how they want to serve their community.

Working with Al over the last seven years has helped me become a more empathetic and results driven leader. He is a mentor and a transformational leader.”

Richard Rivera,
Former Director, I-Lead Program Bank Street College/Columbia University

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“Alvin Herring transformed our students! After each workshop with Alvin, the campus leaders left inspired and encouraged to change their world. Each year of the three years that Alvin led our community building training for student government and club leaders, students departed energized and eager to confront challenges.  Most importantly, beyond their small group, the leaders who were beneficiaries of the time with Alvin intentionally shared their insights and experiences with other would-be leaders.
Training sessions led by Alvin are engaging and empowering. It moves students and the staff who work with them to aspire to become effective change agents and partners in building broader lives on campus and later their spheres of influence. I heartily recommend any school or campus looking for community building and diversity training to engage Alvin and Side By Side. Training days spent with Alvin change students' lives as well as their campuses!”

Angela Conley,
Former Director of Student Activities, Sarah Lawrence College

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