Field organizers developed and used the following strategies while working with low-income families, immigrants and refugees, and culturally specific communities. Consider adding these to your overall engagement strategy.

Peer-to-peer networks and affinity groups

In peer-to-peer networks and affinity groups, families gather with those who share a common identity (e.g. Black families, migrant families, special education parents/caregivers, etc.). Members have the opportunity to discuss their individual experiences with peers. The space, whether regularly convened or occurring as a one-off, can offer a sense of belonging, a shift in power and an opportunity for renewal and healing. Your group should create norms, goals and values so members understand what to expect and how to participate.

Parent learning walks

Parent learning walks foster meaningful relationships between teachers and parents, especially in order to support student learning at home. This strategy exposes parents to classroom experiences so they better understand how to navigate the educational system, address possible barriers their child might face and extend learning outside of the classroom.

Sample objectives and benefits:

• Identify how to connect teachers and parents in the classrooms to benefit the school community.
• Offer parents specific ways to join in collaborative planning and learning. Be mindful of cultural differences and language needs.
• Provide a transformative experience where classrooms become true learning communities (parent, student, teacher, community members engage in lessons).
• Give educators and parents a chance to reflect on highlights of lesson while providing authentic feedback.
• Allow parents to observe learning targets and familiarize themselves with standards that are prerequisites for graduation.

Get started by customizing the form that parents can use for notetaking and reflection during a parent learning walk.