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| | Community Outreach: Host a Cultural Panel
To facilitate effective cultural panels, take the time to prepare.
- What is the purpose of the panel?
- Who is the audience?
- How much do the panel participants know or understand about panel discussions?
- What are other logistical considerations such as the use of interpreters?
Prior to the panel, a survey may help narrow down the topics covered and allow the panelists to gather their thoughts and prepare handouts, slides, etc., if applicable. Make sure to explain the structure of panel to the participants as well as go over any district/school policies that are relevant to the topics discussed.
Make the panelist feel comfortable because the information shared is, in many cases, quite personal.
Potential panelists -
- Community leaders
- Former students
- Current parents
- Current students
- Community partners
Community outreach
- Invite families to numerous events that happen at school, not just ESL Night. Ask community members that may speak the same language or come from similar backgrounds to help with communication during concurrent sessions.
- Ask parents to come to the schools to help with activities and events. Let the parents share aspects of their language and culture with the students and staff.
- Some families may volunteer to carpool to bring interested families to events.
- Go into the community where the families live, shop, and interact. Hold meetings in the local library or the neighborhood center. Set up information tables at social events and gatherings.
- Acknowledge major holidays or dates on the school calendar/website. Feature articles about communities, events, families in the school newspaper and other publications.
August 2005 - ELL Education Program Guidelines: Parent Involvement, Minnesota Department of Education.
 Sample Parent Workshop
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