It finally happened: You got the buy-in to launch a (much-needed!) working parents’ network in your organization. You’ve sent out the blast announcement and secured a small budget. The kickoff cocktail party drew a crowd of parents eager for advice — and curious about this new resource. You’ve done everything needed to get this thing up and running. But as the energy and excitement from that first event fades, you’re left wondering: Now what?
How to Launch a Working Parents’ Support Group in Your Organization
Working parenthood is a gigantic challenge for individuals — for the dads and moms living it day-to-day — but it’s a major challenge for organizations, too. People drive performance, but in order to do so they need to feel in control and supported. Creating a working parents’ network can help. Take the following steps before and after your network is launched, and you’ll develop a network with a large following, and with powerful, positive impact: 1) Build up from what works. 2) Be assertively inclusive. 3) Align it to the organization’s mission — and DNA. 4) Keep your figureheads relatable. 5) Have a curriculum that puts parents in control. 6) Use internal experts and select “friends of the firm” as your faculty. 7) Stay in the Solutions Frame. 8) Use it to help amplify other resources and benefits. 9) Keep all events on “working parent time.” 10) Give it life beyond the events and gatherings.