When families feel welcomed, supported, and appreciated, they’re more likely to participate, share their voice, and stay engaged over time. Incentives are one way schools can remove barriers, recognize family contributions, and strengthen trust and connection.
This Incentive Inspiration Board offers real-world ideas to encourage participation in ELAC and create a culture where families feel that their time, voice, and leadership truly matter. These strategies aren’t about offering rewards — they’re about building relationships and making engagement meaningful for every family.
What You'll Find Here:
Easy, low-cost incentive ideas that support equity and inclusion
Creative ways to say “thank you” and build momentum
Strategies tailored to family priorities, not just prizes
Options for different events, goals, and grade levels — including middle and high school
How to Use This Board
Browse by category. Choose ideas that match your families’ interests and your site’s resources. Most ideas are free or easy to adapt — the goal is connection, not perfection. You’ll find ideas grouped by type — and a dedicated section for middle and high school incentives near the end.
Free & Low-Cost Incentive Ideas for ELAC
School Swag & Welcome Gifts
School-branded pencils, stickers, or water bottles
Tote bags or cinch sacks with school logo
Mini journals or notepads
ELAC “Welcome Folder” with key info, snacks, and a personal note
Bilingual magnets with school contacts or event dates
“Proud Multilingual Family” buttons or keychains
“We are ELAC” photo wall with quotes, and photos of ELAC members
Raffle Prizes (Free or Donated)
Tickets to school events (e.g., Carnaval, talent show, basketball game)
VIP seating at student performances or graduation
Front row parking spot for an event
Gift basket from a teacher or classroom
Family Game Night basket (Uno, puzzle, snacks)
Books donated from the library or PTA
Food-Based Incentives
Pancake breakfast tickets
“Snack Box” or take-home treat for attending a session
Coffee and pan dulce at morning meetings
“Dinner & Dialogue” evenings with a simple meal (pizza, tamales, soup)
Coupons for cafeteria treats (e.g., “free cookie Friday”)
Experience-Based Incentives
“Lunch with the Principal” or favorite teacher
“Read to the Class” or “Family Guest Star” invitation
Shout-outs during assemblies or school-wide messages
Certificate and photo display for first-time ELAC attendees
Family ticket to local community events or sports events (partnered with libraries or CBOs)
Simple Recognition & Connection
Family Conversation Starters ("Platicards"): collectible cards you can print and share at each ELAC meeting. Each set includes simple, open-ended questions tied to the meeting’s topics. Families can take them home to spark meaningful conversations with their children and build connections around school and language learning. We recommend printing on cardstock for durability and punching a hole in the corner so families can keep their cards on a ring—making it easy to add new cards at every meeting. Download: "Platicards"
Punch cards: Families get a stamp or hole punch per meeting; give families a prize (like school swag) or recognition when they fill their card.
Download: 8 Meeting Punch Card, 6 Meeting Punch Card
Sticker chart for students whose families attend
Personalized thank you postcards or emails
Invite families to read a poem, or co-present
“Family Voice” spotlight in newsletters or slides
Shout-outs during assemblies or school announcements
“Bring a Friend” pass to promote outreach and connection
Framed participation certificate
“ELAC Leader of the Month” recognition acknowledging different styles of leadership
“Ask Me About ELAC” badge or lanyard for family reps or returning members
“Milestone” ribbons (e.g., First Meeting, Shared an Idea, Brought a Friend)
For Middle & High School Families
Many incentives above work across grade levels — but middle and high school families may appreciate options that reflect their students’ growing independence and future goals.
Phone stands or water bottle stickers with school logo
“Multilingual Leader” bracelets or student-made buttons
Punch cards with rewards like front-of-the-line passes or snack coupons
Raffle prizes: tickets to school dances, sports games, or talent shows
Shout-outs in the school newsletter or social media
“Bring a Friend” pass or extra raffle ticket
Recognition wall or photo board celebrating family leadership
Invitations to co-lead a workshop or share a family story
College swag (stickers, water bottles, or campus visit raffles)