Recruit the Right People

Successful family involvement includes identifying and finding the right family members.

Clarify what kinds of skills, experience, or perspective you need from the family
For example, do you need an effective public speaker, good writer/editor, or an analytical thinker? Are you looking for someone that holds their own with people in authority, an excellent collaborator or someone with a particular body of experience or cultural perspective?

Identify potential participants to find the right fit
Begin by thinking about people you have worked with.  Ask trusted colleagues or those in a position to encounter potential family advisors. Communicate specifically what you need and what you are looking for. Hold yourself to a standard of accessing new voices and multiple viewpoints.  Whenever possible, it is best to involve more than one parent — to support each other, represent different viewpoints, and help ensure there will be at least one parent present in the event that something comes up.

Invite a family member to participate
When approaching a potential participant be sure to be clear about the purpose of your activity and describe the role you are hoping they'll assume. Share the basic details including when, where, and how long. Use the Basic Information Checklist as reference to make sure you are providing the family member with enough information so they can make an informed decision. Offer a graceful way for the family member to say “no”.  If they do agree to participate, discuss whether or not there will be financial compensation (view a Sample Compensation Form).

When you've clarified your plan and identified family advisors, you are ready for step 3, Prepare and Facilitate the Involvement. Or you may return to Involving Families as Advisors.