Case Study: Launching A Black Mom’s Guide to IEPs Membership Community

Company: A Black Mom’s Guide to IEPs

Product: Membership Program for Parents Navigating IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)

Role: Product Manager

Objective: Establish a supportive online community and resource hub specifically for Black mothers navigating the IEP process for their children.

Background

Navigating the IEP process can be particularly challenging for Black families, who may face systemic barriers and a lack of tailored resources. The goal of A Black Mom’s Guide to IEPs was to create a membership community that not only provided practical resources but also fostered a space for shared experiences, advocacy, and mutual support.

Challenges

The program needed to address specific challenges, including:

  1. Creating a platform with resources tailored to the unique needs of Black mothers in the IEP process.

  2. Ensuring ease of use, accessibility, and affordability within the community.

  3. Building a safe, engaged space for knowledge-sharing and support.

Approach

1. User Research and Community Needs Assessment

  • Member Feedback: Conducted focus groups and surveys with prospective members to identify the most needed resources and types of support.

  • Platform Selection: Chose Circle as the platform due to its community-centered design and flexibility, which allowed for easy content sharing and robust discussion forums.

2. Community Setup and Engagement on Circle

  • Structured Community Spaces: Designed Circle spaces to accommodate topic-specific discussions, Q&A channels, and a dedicated forum for member storytelling and resource-sharing.

  • Resource Library: Structured a space for key resources, including IEP guides, templates, and video tutorials, to ensure easy access for members seeking immediate guidance.

  • Peer Support & Moderation: Established a peer mentorship component to connect newer members with experienced IEP advocates and created moderation guidelines to maintain a safe and supportive environment.

3. Community Building and Engagement

  • Engagement Initiatives: Launched peer mentorship opportunities, where experienced members could guide newer ones, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

  • Moderation and Guidelines: Established community guidelines and moderation practices to maintain a respectful and constructive atmosphere.

Outcome

The A Black Mom’s Guide to IEPs membership community on Circle launched with strong engagement, providing a safe space for Black mothers to share experiences and access valuable resources. Early feedback showed increased member confidence in navigating the IEP process, and community interactions indicated a high level of support and satisfaction. The program achieved notable growth within its initial launch phase, confirming the importance of this dedicated space.