CONNECT with other programs
Join the Family Engagement Network discussion!
Do you have advice or questions about serving families in out-of-school time programs? Share information and strategies with others dedicated to providing the best service to Boston's families, children and youth.
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FIND TOOLS
Download Tools to Use in your Program
BOSTnet Family Engagement Toolkit
Includes the following tools developed through the Wallace Foundation and United Way supported Engaging Families Initiative :
- The Family Engagement Checklist helps programs explore how effectively they communicate with family members, helps them become more involved and engaged in program activities, and supports their development as parent leaders.
- Family Engagement Action Plan allows programs to organize resources around family engagement activities.
- The Family Communication Log is a form that helps programs keep track of conversations and communications with parents.
- Family Engagement Strategies and Tips
Trainings & Events
Families Matter!
Creating Opportunities for Family Voice,
Empowerment and Leadership
Conference 2008
BOSTnet's Families Matter! 2008 was a huge success with over 100 people passing through the event at the United Way on June 6th. Attendees hailed from all neighborhoods of Boston and from near and far away locales such as Lynn, Lowell, Brookline, Lincoln, Somerville, Newton, Salem, Arlington, and Revere.
A lively panel discussion facilitated by Suzanne Bouffard of Harvard Family Research Project kicked off the event. Panelists shared insight on strategies for working with families of elementary, middle school, and teen aged youth on topics such as incorporating Family Voice through surveys to fostering Family Leadership through Parent Advisory Councils. Seventy six percent (76%) of attendees reporting found the panel discussion to be useful and described the panelists as "inspiring," " enthusiastic," "creative," and "informative," offering "useful" and "practical strategies."
Workshop sessions were well-received, most with filled-to-capacity audiences that engaged in more focused discussion around Family Voice and Leadership, Increasing Access to Cultural Resources, Engaging Families of Teens, and Developing Family Focused Staff. 92% of reporting attendees learned new strategies for engaging families in their programs. 86% of reporting attendees referenced specific "hands on strategies learned" at the conference that they would use in their programs.
Families Matter! 2008 was a high-energy event that highlighted the best of the field with panelists and attendees lending to a dynamic environment of sharing, learning, networking and passion for serving families. We look forward to continuing to engage the field in discussion around family engagement through our online network.
Read more about the conference at United Way's blog inspire4life .
We're pleased to have the support of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and the Ludcke Foundation for this Initiative.
RESOURCES
- BOSTnet BUZZ Special Edition: Engaging Families (opens the file in a pdf format)
- BOSTnet State of the Field: Engaging Families
- Focus on Families! How to Build and Support Family-Centered Practices in After School
Everyone benefits when after school programs build relationships with families and involve parents in their children's after school activities. BOSTnet, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and Harvard Family Research Project are proud to announce this publication. Focus on Families is a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide, and a critical resource for any after school provider looking to create or expand existing family engagement program.
Press Release for Focus on Families: http://www.uwmb.org/press-room/06-engaging-families-new.html
Please contact info@bostnet.org or 617.720.1290 to request a hard copy for $10 per copy.
Other Resources:
- Harvard Family Resesearch Project Evaluation Exchange: Building the Future of Family Involvement
- United Way inspire4life
BOSTnet Networking and Online Networking made possible by the Ludcke Foundation
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