RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive starter kit provides parent leaders with resources needed to revitalize or strengthen their SEPAG, including an introductory guidebook, guidance for planning and organizing your first meeting, a survey template to help gather community input, and ready-to-use sample emails for district outreach. All materials are designed to streamline the process, build momentum, and support effective parent leadership.
V4.0; last updated July 21st, 2026
Whether you’re revitalizing a SEPAG or strengthening an existing one, these resources will help you build a strong foundation. We recommend beginning with the two guides below, then exploring the additional templates and tools as you work through them.
This content reflects the same foundational guidance BRIDGE provides through technical assistance, allowing this knowledge to be shared more broadly and used by parent leaders across New Jersey.
1. Start Here
Parent SEPAG Leadership: Where to Start
A practical guide that explains what SEPAGs are, why they matter, and how successful groups operate.
✓ Learn the role of a SEPAG
✓ Understand parent leadership
✓ Explore meeting ideas
✓ Learn how districts and families collaborate
2. Take the Next Step
Building Bridges Roadmap
A step-by-step action plan that walks you through your first months as a new parent leader.
Developed collaboratively with members of The BRIDGE Initiative’s Working Group, this resource brings together perspectives from both SEPAG parent leadership and community experts.
✓ Phase 1: Start Small
✓ Phase 2: Get the Word Out
✓ Phase 3: Plan Your Meeting
✓ Phase 4: Deepen Relationships
Additional Resources
The guides above reference many of the resources below. While these tools are available throughout The BRIDGE Initiative’s Resource Library, we’ve also gathered them here for quick access.
SEPAG Kickoff Meeting Guidance
The first SEPAG meeting sets the foundation for future collaboration. Use this time to introduce members, discuss the role and purpose of the SEPAG, identify areas of shared interest, and begin building a supportive community. This list can help guide your preparations.
