Supportive Connections

Parents and caregivers who are connected to peer networks, who see their peers in positions of leadership, and who have access to supportive resources and services tend to be more connected to their school community. This increases their ability to work with schools in order to reduce their children’s vulnerability to bullying, inequity and exclusion.

Schools share power with parents and caregivers by fostering peer support, creating opportunities for peer interaction, building connections with supportive services and resources within the school or community, and by encouraging a diversity of leadership among parents and caregivers. For parents and caregivers from marginalized social groups, who may feel alone because of their difference, building connections with others who are like them is especially important and powerful.