Listen and respond to what they say. Insist on training for center staff and parent volunteers to prepare them well for their roles as managers and coordinators of center activities. Involve children in center activities. Families will come when their children are a part of the action. Focus at first on activities that will help parents support their children's learning.
Surveys indicate that such activities are what parents are most interested in doing.
Be sure to provide materials and programs in the languages parents can understand. Address conflicts and controversies as they arise. Get help from community mediation services if necessary. Identify common goals and needs and work from there to find solutions. Expand and revitalize the membership of the steering committee to maintain a high level of commitment.