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Use positive language:
- “Help your youth have a bright future.”
- “Help your kids get ahead.”
- "Have fun together as a family.”
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|
Do not describe the program
as for “at risk families.”
Do not tell parents they need to strengthen their skills.
|
|
Work together with other agencies. Gather a group of professionals
- church, school, extension, human service agencies.
|
|
Do not depend on fliers, announcements,
posters, or radio spots. These may get their attention but
will probably not get them to commit to coming. A personal
invitation works best. |
|
Provide childcare,
food and transportation.
- Childcare is necessary so that families with younger
children can attend.
- Transportation may make the difference for some families.
- Meals may be provided by local service clubs, churches,
or food establishments.
- Snacks may be brought by families.
|
|
Do not depend on one agency
or group for all the contacts with families.
Do not depend on families to provide their own childcare.
Do not assume that if grant funds do not allow meals, there
is no way to have any food. |
| Understand that it takes time
to get the program going in a community. Recruitment is generally
harder the first time the program is held. Some groups hold
the program with smaller groups the first time or two and
find that, as the word spreads, it becomes much easier to
recruit. |
|
Do not give up holding the
program if you do not get a full group the first time. |
