POD-Ensure Families Have Support They Need to Participate at the Level They Choose
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Brief Page Description
Contents
Examples of a Description for this Objective
Many of the families that would be interested (and very valuable) to participate in greater levels of engagement and leadership face serious barriers to fulfilling those roles. Most are struggling financially, so it would be very helpful for them to be compensated for their time. Others face barriers of transportation and childcare that make it very difficult for them to participate in meaningful ways. Others lack the good Internet connections and computers that would allow for effective remote participation. And some face language challenges if they are not fluent in English. Most would benefit from some training in how to best provide their input, support and leadership.
If the community is serious about engaging these parents in meaningful ways—especially with regard to leadership—then it is important to proactively address these barriers.
Examples of a From-To Gap
Current State |
Desired State | |
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a. Many parents are not able to participate because they are not paid to participate and lack the financial means to show up on their own. As a result, the conversations are dominated by people who are paid to be there |
a. Parents receive a stipend for their participation to help reward them for the cost and/or expenses. (But, we don’t want to jeopardize them getting the financial support that they already get.) This might be non-cash compensation so they don’t lose other benefits. | |
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b. Many parents have barriers to participate—lack of child care, transportation, Intenet access, technology skills |
b. Parents who desire to participate get the support needed to overcome the barriers that would otherwise make it very difficult for them to participate. | |
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c. The current conditions are in the minority and they may not feel secure when others in the room are professionals. There is a big power difference between the paid professionals and the parents—even if they show up. The parents may not feel they have something to contribute |
c. We have created the conditions where parents feel the freedom to say the things that would be most honest and helpful. Parents are validated with appreciation on how important their involvement, input and leadership is. We have coached the parents so they have information to be more effective, and we also have post-meeting discussions to capture input that they may have hesitated to share. | |
| d. Families who are engaged in the process help us reach the families that are not engaged and bring them into the process. The reach goes well beyond just the reach of the professionals—like “Train the Trainer” for outreach. |
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Examples of Current Activity
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