Page 94 - MMP-N-NJ CCN 21st Century School Nurse Leadership Book

Step 3: Preparation: Be sure to include others in planning! People love helping and having a
purpose to make an event happen. Share the fun of preparation. Allow for others to step forward.
Making space for others to shine is the sign of true leadership.

Identify the location and time of the Community Cafe - Time frame is usually 90 minutes. Use
your school building if this is possible, as this is a comfortable and familiar setting for most
participants. Arrange for childcare, if this is feasible. School aged children should be in classes
during daytime hours, but infants and toddlers may be with participants
• Provide light refreshments and drinks
• Identify yourself as the facilitator
• Be mindful of translators if needed
• Identify greeters who enthusiastically welcome participants as they arrive (Ask a team
member to be a greeter)

Remember supplies:
Nametags (peel a stick tags are fine)
pens/pencils/markers
Confidentiality agreements/IRB forms
Large wall poster size paper
Tape to hang up poster size paper
Food, drinks, cups, plates, napkins, utensils, table cloths (disposable are preferred)

Step 4: Start the conversation! As people walk in make sure they are greeted, that they have a
nametag, complete necessary sign-in information and confidentiality forms (see NJCCN documents),
invite them to help themselves to refreshments and find seating. Types of seating can be small
group tables of 4-6 or semi-circular or circular seating to encourage larger group conversations.

• Introductions (Warmly welcome everyone)
• Tell the participants that this is an informal gathering of parents/guardians to share
perspectives and stories; and to stimulate thoughts and ideas for community driven
solutions.
• Announce roles: Facilitator and note takers
• Be sure to acknowledge that the participants are the true experts and therefore their
opinions are so important!

Read Creating a Safe Space (instead of ground rules)
1. This conversation stays confidential
2. Every comment is valued and valuable
3. There are no wrong questions- all questions have merit
4. Refrain from identifying a solution too early
5. Don’t necessarily comment after each story
6. Make sure every voice is heard
7. Be comfortable with silence - let the conversation flow, pauses are OK!

Present the question/issue to be discussed. Keep it brief and open ended. This is a community
driven conversation.

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