Start with something social as an icebreaker. Not every event can be a party, and Nicolau and Ramos offer suggestions for how to sustain involvement once you've gotten it started. Do not hold your first activity at school. Events may be more successful on neutral turf such as neighborhood homes or community places. Pay attention to environment and format.
Informal settings are less intimidating to low-income parents.
Make them as participatory as possible. A warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere is mandatory. Prepare staff with in-service workshops so that everyone understands the community being served. Do not view child care, transportation, interpreters, and meals as frills. Providing them will make a big difference for at-risk parents.