How can you create inclusive education networks?

1 Identify your goals and values

Before you start forming your network, you need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and why. What are the gaps or issues that you want to address in your school or district? What are the principles and practices that you want to uphold and promote? How do you define inclusion and what does it look like in your context? Having a shared purpose and direction will help you attract and engage potential network members and partners.

2 Reach out and connect

Once you have your goals and values in place, you can start inviting and connecting with people who share your interest and commitment to inclusive education. You can use various channels and strategies to reach out, such as email, social media, newsletters, flyers, events, or word-of-mouth. You can also leverage existing networks or groups that are relevant to your topic, such as professional associations, parent councils, student clubs, or community organizations. Be inclusive and respectful of different perspectives and experiences, and encourage participation and feedback.

3 Organize and facilitate

To keep your network active and productive, you need to organize and facilitate regular meetings and activities that align with your goals and values. You can use online platforms or tools to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with your network members. You can also create subgroups or committees to focus on specific tasks or projects, such as research, advocacy, curriculum, or outreach. Make sure to provide clear roles and expectations, and offer support and recognition to your network members.

4 Learn and grow

Creating an inclusive education network is an ongoing process that requires constant learning and growth. You can use various methods to evaluate and improve your network's performance and impact, such as surveys, feedback forms, reflections, or data analysis. You can also seek out new ideas, resources, or opportunities to expand your network's knowledge and skills, such as webinars, podcasts, books, or courses. Celebrate your achievements and challenges, and acknowledge your network's contributions to inclusive education.

5 Share and inspire

One of the benefits of creating an inclusive education network is that you can share and inspire others with your stories, insights, and practices. You can use different formats and platforms to showcase your network's work and outcomes, such as blogs, podcasts, videos, or presentations. You can also connect and collaborate with other networks or groups that are working on similar or complementary issues or goals, such as regional, national, or international organizations. By sharing and inspiring, you can amplify your network's voice and influence, and contribute to the wider movement of inclusive education.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?