How do you recruit new members?

How do you welcome new members?  When new members begin, who explains their role and responsibilities to them?

Do you utilize the LICC Handbook? 

Do you have any family participants? How did they find your LICC? Have you had any family participants that stopped attending? 

• If so, why do you think that they stopped attending?

• How do you think the reasons (or suspected reasons) could be addressed?

Do you take meeting notes and include a sign-in to maintain track of attendance? Do you email meeting minutes and agenda reminders to members before/after upcoming meetings? 

Consider the population of your county and aim for a diverse representation

• 20% of family representation on your LICC is a best practice. 

• Include families with children from  birth to age 8 (enrolled in early intervention or aged out), multiple ethnicities, nontraditional makeup, and from the foster care system. 

Determine the best ways to reach families that you want to recruit

• Utilize existing families, professionals who work directly with families, and local/state level family led organizations to help recruit. 

• Share on social media channels as well as print methods in local family friendly locations like libraries, childcare centers, children’s museums, doctor’s offices, community centers, religious centers, grocery stories, bus stations, laundromats, thrift stores, barber shops, hair salons, or other places families may gather. 

Create/utilize a recruiting statement that explains:

• what an LICC is and what they do in simple terms

• expectations and time commitment

• families will receive reimbursement/compensation for their time

• non-English speaking and parents with disabilities will be accommodated and are encouraged to participate

Create an interview process – not everyone is ready immediately but they may want to come back at a later date.