Conversation Prompts Handout

Please discuss the following prompts in your small group. Use the space provided to jot down key insights, examples, and action ideas.

1. Describe a time you felt supported (or unsupported) by your child’s school.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What barriers have you encountered when connecting with educators?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How can schools better honor and include your family’s identity?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

After your discussion, choose one key takeaway from your group and be prepared to share it with the whole workshop.

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Use these four scenarios to practice partnership conversations. In each group, assign roles as follows:

• Caregiver/Family Member
• Teacher/School Staff
• Observer (optional: Principal, Counselor, or Community Liaison)

Each role-play should last about 5 minutes, followed by 2–3 minutes of observer feedback focusing on strengths and areas to improve.

Scenario 1: Restroom Inclusivity Concern

Context: A parent of a transgender middle schooler learned that their child is being directed to use a single-stall restroom instead of the restroom aligning with their gender identity.

Roles:

• Caregiver expressing worry about their child’s comfort and safety.
• Teacher/Administrator explaining current school policy and looking for solutions.
• Observer notes empathetic statements, collaborative language, and next steps.

Objectives:

1. Practice active listening to understand the caregiver’s concern.
2. Co-develop a plan to ensure the student’s dignity and safety (e.g., signage, staff training, communication protocols).
3. Agree on a clear action timeline and follow-up meeting.

Scenario 2: Name and Pronoun Recognition

Context: The caregiver of a non-binary high school student discovers teachers are still using the student’s birth name and incorrect pronouns in class announcements and graded work.

Roles:

• Caregiver advocating respectfully for consistent use of affirming language.
• Teacher explaining challenges (e.g., system limitations, staff awareness) and seeking guidance.
• Observer tracks how the teacher acknowledges the caregiver’s request and commits to change.

Objectives:

1. Model how to apologize for mistakes and affirm the student’s identity.
2. Brainstorm practical steps: updating class rosters, adding pronoun training in staff meetings, establishing a universal name/pronoun policy.
3. Define who is responsible for each step and set a check-in date.

Scenario 3: Establishing an LGBTQ+ Student Group

Context: A caregiver wants to start a Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club at the school but has encountered hesitation from the administration due to perceived parental objections.

Roles:

• Caregiver passionate about peer support and safe space for LGBTQ+ students.
• School Staff Member (e.g., counselor or teacher) tasked with navigating district guidelines.
• Observer listens for collaborative language and evidence-based talking points.

Objectives:

1. Identify district or state policies that support student clubs and free association.
2. Develop messaging for communicating with hesitant administrators and other caregivers.
3. Plan first steps: securing a faculty sponsor, drafting a club charter, and scheduling an informational meeting.

Scenario 4: Cultural/Religious Values Dialogue

Context: A caregiver from a religious background is concerned about LGBTQ+ topics being discussed in health or social studies classes and fears conflict with their family’s beliefs.

Roles:

• Caregiver expressing concerns in a respectful but firm manner.
• Teacher or Community Liaison clarifying curriculum objectives and seeking mutual understanding.
• Observer notes examples of respectful dialogue and boundary-setting.

Objectives:

1. Practice respectful curiosity: asking open questions about the caregiver’s values and concerns.
2. Clarify what is taught, why it matters for student well-being, and how parents can access curriculum materials.
3. Explore options for parental involvement: previews of lesson plans, opt-in enrichment sessions, or co-facilitated family forums.

After each role-play, observers share feedback on:

• Use of affirming, nonjudgmental language
• Clear next steps with assigned responsibilities
• Overall tone of partnership and respect

Rotate roles so each participant practices both caregiver and school staff perspectives.

Community Resources Template

Use this template to identify and plan connections with local organizations, support groups, and school contacts that can partner with families of LGBTQ+ students.

Resource 1

Resource Name:

Type of Support (e.g., counseling, social group, legal aid):

Contact Information (name, phone, email, website):

How to Connect (e.g., email introduction, phone call, referral process):

Resource 2

Resource Name:

Type of Support (e.g., counseling, social group, legal aid):

Contact Information (name, phone, email, website):

How to Connect (e.g., email introduction, phone call, referral process):

Resource 3

Resource Name:

Type of Support (e.g., counseling, social group, legal aid):

Contact Information (name, phone, email, website):

How to Connect (e.g., email introduction, phone call, referral process):

Next Steps & Responsibilities

Identify three immediate action steps to engage these resources and assign who will take each step.

1. Step 1 – Action & Responsible Person:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Step 2 – Action & Responsible Person:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Step 3 – Action & Responsible Person:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Reflection Framework Worksheet

Use this worksheet to capture your insights, commitments, and plans after the workshop.

1. Key Takeaway: What is your most important insight from today’s session?

1. Commitment Statement: What will you commit to doing differently to strengthen partnerships with parents and caregivers?

1. Action Steps (Next 7 Days): List 2–3 concrete actions you will take to connect at least one caregiver with a school or community resource.

1. Anticipated Challenges: What obstacles might arise when you implement these actions, and how will you address them?

1. Support Network: Who (colleagues, community partners, family liaisons) can you lean on for support or accountability? How will you engage them?

 
 
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection! Please keep this worksheet as a reminder of your commitments and revisit it to track your progress.