Interested in starting your own journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gloria Sweet, Co-Founder of My Digital TAT2, located in San Carlos, CA, USA.
What's your organization, and who are your members?
Founded by a child psychologist and clinical social worker, My Digital TAT2 empowers students, families, and educators to understand the technology and the impact of their online presence. Our mission is to facilitate conversations that inspire thoughtful and ethical online behavior to help people think critically about their power and responsibility in a connected world. For over ten years, we have worked with schools and families to navigate digital dependency, inappropriate content, and the impact of online hate. 35,000 Students use technology more responsibly and create a kinder digital culture. 6,000 Parents & Caretakers know how to partner with their kids and ensure healthy digital use. 1,100 Teachers & Administrators know how to support students in being safe, conscious, and kind online.
Tell us about yourself
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a pupil personnel services credential. I am curious and inspired to learn about the psychology of technology and how to support young people to use digital devices in ethical, safe, mindful, and socially just ways. I have been a Program Developer, School Social Work Educator, Practitioner, and Professional Presenter with over 30 years of experience in multiple communities and educational settings. Lecturer and Pupil Personnel Services Credential Faculty at San Jose State University School of Social Work for twenty years. Supervisor and Mentor to M.S.W. and Post-M.S.W. Students. Creator of comprehensive school social work programs, bullying prevention programs, teacher in-service, and professional workshops. Research and publication in the area of bi-racial and bi-cultural adolescence, bullying prevention, and cyberbullying prevention.
What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?
I am not a "business owner" but a co-founder of a non-profit. My biggest accomplishment has been the training of skilled educators who have been able to successfully provide the My Digital TAT2 curriculum to young people from 3rd through 12th grade in educational settings and to parents and educators. During the pandemic, we successfully transitioned our curriculum online and have been able to reach more children, teens, teachers, administrators, and parents at a time when they needed the most support. I am most proud of those accomplishments.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an organization?
I would say the hardest challenge and the most unexpected gift was the unknown of what would happen to our school-based program during the heart of the pandemic. I am happy to say our resilient team was able to make this transition and create a more effective service model that has reached more clients than it ever has.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?
- Listen carefully to the voices and needs of the communities you work with. Don't assume you know what is needed; listen to the audience you are trying to serve.
- Form a team of dedicated practitioners who are collaborative and bring different talents to the table, from big-picture creative thinkers to detailed, solution-oriented thinkers.
- Create a clear and flexible vision and mission statement, and re-visit and redo this frequently as you grow.
Where can people find you and your group?
Website: https://www.mydigitaltat2.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyDigitalTat2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydigitaltat2/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-digital-tat2/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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