**Title: Building a Strong Partnership with Churches for Your Hybrid School**

**Introduction**

Hello and welcome to the Hybrid School Builders Podcast. I am your host, Rebecca Foley, and I am so glad you are joining me today. As a fellow grassroots founder, I am here to make your journey toward founding a sustainable hybrid school a little bit easier. Whether you're dreaming of starting a hybrid school or have already begun your journey, you're in the right place. Join me as we dive into real stories, practical tips, and hard-won lessons I have learned to help you launch and grow your program with confidence. Remember, building a hybrid school is not just about creating a business or jobs; it's about reshaping the landscape of education one community, one entrepreneur, and one program at a time.

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**Finding and Approaching Churches**

If you are considering talking to churches, here's what I recommend. Firstly, how do you find them? I've done everything from looking at a map of churches in the area to physically driving by them. Having a team can be advantageous in contacting and assessing different buildings. We've often driven by churches, noticed their facilities, and reached out by calling, knocking on their doors, or emailing. Present yourself professionally and succinctly: introduce who you are, your non-profit mission, the size of your program, how many kids you serve, and the days you would need the space.

**Building a Committee for Assistance**

Assembling a small committee can also help. A group of three or four people can search, contact, follow up with different places, and hold regular meetings to ensure accountability. Delegate regions or tasks to assist each other in this process, helping alleviate the pressure on any single person.

**Initial Contact and Meeting Arrangements**

When a church is open to a conversation, visit the facility as soon as possible. Meet with them, tour the classrooms, assess the parking lot and outdoor spaces, and prepare pertinent questions. Before unloading concerns, inquire about safety features, like locking doors or bathroom access, and logistical aspects, such as furnishing sizes that suit your age group. 

**Addressing Logistical Concerns**

Address logistic issues, such as shared furniture, availability of storage, or potential installation of additional shelves or cabinets. Establish cleaning arrangements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cleanliness to prevent potential relationship strains. You might arrange for professional cleaning services or coordinate with the existing church services. Budgeting for cleaning services is essential, as the needs may evolve from initial estimations, ensuring stability as your program grows.

**Planning for Growth**

Have a three-year plan to adjust budgeting, planning, and logistics as your student body grows. This planning allows you to anticipate classroom needs without frequent relocations, supports budget adjustments, and fosters a sustainable building relationship.

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**Effective Communication with Church Leadership**

Engage all relevant parties in the discussions, including pastors, financial administrators, and Sunday school directors, who may share the space. Their involvement helps mitigate surprises concerning utility costs or renovation decisions. Ensure all key stakeholders are informed and supportive of your mission, or at least understand its implications for resource sharing. 

**Continued Relationship Building**

Proactively engage with church leaders regularly, even briefly, to address any concerns arising and keep interactions positive and open. Establish structured communication channels for feedback to prevent minor issues from escalating.

**Formalizing Agreements**

Whether in a commercial or church setting, ensure a comprehensive, written agreement covering all logistical details, contact persons for emergencies, and usage terms to avoid confusion. If feasible, establish a longer-term lease to stabilize expectations and reduce annual renegotiations. Clearly define timelines for terminating the partnership, allowing sufficient time for transitions if necessary.

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**Conclusion**

Thanks so much for listening today. Don't forget to subscribe and check out resources I am developing at startahybridschool.com. Feel free to email me anytime—I'd love to hear from you. Until next time!