Sustaining Participation
Follow your own intuition and the opportunities that exist. Formal tools to create a network or circle may in fact not be as productive as your own diligence, hunches and creativity.
Circle of Friends and Beyond
Circle of Friends led Josie to see that her son needed help to have friends among his classmates. Lauchie as teacher stresses moving beyond a formal stucture and fostering relationships that are real and include risk. In the end it is parents who can do most, he says.
Download TranscriptIf you create an appealing environment, you are more likely to see follow-through from the friends.
Once you have identified some friends and they have begun to follow up individually with activities that involve your family member, you will want to plan occasional casual gatherings so the friends can connect and share experiences—times that that are fun for all, and where batteries can be recharged. One family hosts a monthly wings night for whoever can come.
When people feel cared for they are more likely to remain involved and committed to your family member’s network.
In the meeting part of a regular network gathering, be consistent in checking up on those performing any assigned tasks to see how they are doing. Make sure all members of the network feel valued and cared for. Take time to ask about each person present. Follow up with those who couldn’t attend.
