NET BENEFITS: Tapping the Collaborative Benefit of Networks
BOSTnet Family Engagement Network
The Engaging Families Network is a resource for after school professionals dedicated to family engagement and to exploring new ideas and strategies on developing more family-focused programs. Families have been a foundation of BOSTnet's work ever since it was started as a Parent-led organization in 1987. This Network is divided into the following network topics:
Click on any of the above topics to go to that area. Each topic area provides different resources and information.
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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Trainings & Events
Families Matter!
Creating Opportunities for Family Voice,
Empowerment and Leadership
Join BOSTnet and United Way for the 2008 Families Matter! Conference to celebrate family involvement throughout the ages and stages of child and youth development. Workshop sessions and panel discussions will feature empowered parents, leading experts, and staff from programs with proven best practices. You'll learn the tools and philosophies that will help you design responsive programs, enhance communications with parents, build community support, and improve outcomes for youth of all ages.
Special Bonus Resources for Families: Receive copies of the NEW BOSTnet 2008-2009 Guide to Boston's Before and After School Programs.
Workshop Offerings
Guided working sessions will help you adapt strategies to your own program. Topics include:
- Including Family Voice and Leadership in your Programs: Going Beyond Family Night
- Developing a Family Focused Staff
- The 2 Minute Check-in: How to Sustain Meaningful Communications with Families at Pick-Up Time
- Engaging Families in Programs with Teens
- Accessing Community Cultural Resources (view a pdf of Museum listings)
Event date: Friday, June 6, 2008
Time: 8:30 am-12:30 pm
Location: United Way 51 Sleeper Street, 1st floor Boston, MA 02210
Cost: This is a free event (breakfast and lunch included)
Questions? Contact Manosi Datta, Program Director, Evaluation and Operations at BOSTnet at 617.720.1290 x 210 or datta@bostnet.org.
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
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
