3 Steps for Starting Your Own SOGI Educator Network

1) Set up the first gathering and invite your peers.

By creating a SOGI educator network, no matter how informal, you can greatly strengthen the SOGI-inclusive education in your area. You are likely not alone in wanting one. Someone like you just needs to take the first step.

• Start with yourself: You don’t have to be the SOGI expert, just a believer in SOGI-inclusive education who has the passion to support all students.

• Start small: Think of all the educators you know. Many of them, like you, are interested in creating SOGI-inclusive schools and would welcome a community of support for doing so. Write down the names of any educators who could possibly be interested. Two or three colleagues can be enough to start.

• Make it informal, easy, and fun to attend: Book an accessible space at a convenient time, and send a friendly, informal invitation to all the educators you identified. Don’t forget to say that snacks and drinks will be provided!

2) Use your first few gatherings to explore and learn together.

The purpose of the first few gatherings is to connect and open dialogue. Here are some things you may want to do:

• Answer the following questions together:

  • What resources are already available to us in our community?

  • What would we value as support from each other?

  • What could we co-create together over the next three to five months that would benefit all of us in our various roles?

• Use SOGI 1 2 3 Learning Bursts as conversation starters.

• Choose a consistent time and place to meet.

3) Build momentum and participation.

There are many benefits from having a group to celebrate successes and collaborate through challenges. As the network expands, so too will these benefits.

• Increase participation: The number one reason people don’t volunteer is that they haven’t been asked. Invite other educators to participate, even as visitors or guests. You may be surprised by how many thank you for asking them.

• Start to formalize the group with common tools: If there is interest, consider creating tools such as terms of reference, mission and vision, member roles, or a strategic plan.

• Discuss the benefits of the network and celebrate those experiences. Always leave room to share experiences of how the network is providing value to members and students alike—as well as ideas for how it could provide more value. Be curious together, always welcoming any questions and new considerations. Create a sense of community, and encourage participants to call each other outside of meetings when challenges emerge.