Our Families as Partners program promotes, coordinates and supports family involvement throughout Children’s Minnesota through several pathways, including the Family Advisory Council (FAC). The FAC is a diverse group of families whose children, or grandchildren, have received care at Children’s Minnesota clinics or hospitals. As a member of the council, you have the opportunity to share your experiences and diverse points of view to advocate for children and their families at Children’s Minnesota and in the community.
Applications are being accepted for a three-year term on our Family Advisory Council!
Family Advisory Council members share their stories
Family Advisory Council members Mary, Andrea, Matt and Christie share a little about their experience on the Family Advisory Council and why it’s a great opportunity for other families.
Mary
Member since 2019
Why did you join the Family Advisory Council?
When I applied for the Family Advisory Council, there was no representation of families who experienced trauma, whose child had died or who dealt with media exposure during their hospital stay. Also, there were no grandparents on FAC. Because I was with my grandchild through much of her stay, I felt that I could provide insight that was missing from the council at that time. It was important to me to advocate for future families who land at Children’s Minnesota in a similar situation.
What do you do with the Family Advisory Council?
FAC members work together to affect positive change for future Children’s Minnesota families. We meet monthly (September – June) to receive updates, hear presentations and/or review materials and then use our unique personal experiences to provide input. When we pool our diverse perspectives, thoughts and ideas, the results can be so rewarding!
What would you say to families who are thinking about applying to be involved in the council?
The collaboration between member families, staff liaisons and Children’s Minnesota employees who give presentations at meetings is an important factor in the quality of patient-family centered care for all families served at the hospital. It’s personally gratifying to know that through sharing your perspective, you can make a difference. Then, I would encourage anyone interested to ask us questions and to come to a meeting as an observer. We’d love to have you join us!
Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with the council?
My very first meeting as a council member was definitely a highlight. The presenter addressed an issue that my family experienced during our stay, and I was immediately drawn in. I also enjoy the meetings when FAC is asked to review drafts of a brochure/flyer/poster and offer opinions. Having the opportunity to say ‘I don’t understand this’ or to provide thoughts and suggestions makes me feel like I’m making a concrete, meaningful contribution.
Is there anything more you would like to share about your experience on the council?
Being an FAC member goes far beyond being a volunteer and service experience for me. Obviously, I’ve learned a lot about the hospital in general, but more importantly, FAC has provided me with an additional opportunity: to grow in knowledge, understanding and compassion. Those who care enough to bring topics to meetings for feedback and the families who have valuable insight to share are what make FAC special. I am honored and grateful for the families I serve alongside.
Andrea
Member since 2022
Why did you join the Family Advisory Council?
After the birth of our son, there was a need and desire to expand our community in an effort to be supported on our new journey. During one of my son’s rehab sessions, our therapist recommended I look into FAC given how engaged and passionate I was about my son’s care and journey at Children’s Minnesota. After my session, I gave it some thought and reviewed the brochure posted in the lobby. After reviewing the council’s mission and objectives, I knew I wanted to be part of this community.
What do you do with the Family Advisory Council?
The Family Advisory Council has given me more than a voice but also a safe space to discuss concerns, offer my candid feedback, and provide suggestions on how Children’s Minnesota can ensure patients and their families feel welcomed, supported and their voice is heard throughout their child’s medical journey. FAC has also offered valuable resources that I have used to navigate my son’s medical journey. I have also been able to leverage members for additional support when navigating complex processes.
What would you say to families who are thinking about applying to be involved in the council?
Navigating your child’s health care needs is a journey in itself and when faced with difficult decisions or obstacles, having a sense of community is important. Knowing who to call and the resources available to you at a local, state or federal level can be daunting when navigating these topics alone. FAC is a supportive community and is passionate about being a vessel for patients and their families. Being a member will not only help you be well-equipped to navigate your child’s medical journey, but will also assist in improving daily operations, and provide a voice for the communities you represent.
Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with the council?
My favorite experience was participating in a patient access event where a few council members and I provided feedback on Children’s Minnesota’s efforts to improve its call center workflows and patient family experiences while utilizing its many communication mechanisms.
Is there anything more you would like to share about your experience on the council?
“Every day may not be good, but there’s good in every day.”
Matt
Member since 2021
Why did you join the Family Advisory Council?
I joined FAC because the care we received at Children’s Minnesota has positively impacted both of my daughters’ lives forever. I want to help other parents get the same experience.
What do you do with the Family Advisory Council?
We meet with leadership teams across the organization to provide family perspectives on initiatives impacting future families at Children’s Minnesota.
What would you say to families who are thinking about applying to be involved in the council?
Our council really matters to Children’s Minnesota. We have the opportunity to give our opinions to the highest leaders in the organization, including the CEO. The time commitment can be as little as one meeting for two hours each month. You will also have the opportunity to meet families that have different experiences at Children’s Minnesota.
Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with the council?
I have been asked to share my family’s Children’s Minnesota story at an upcoming board of directors meeting. I’m excited for that opportunity.
Is there anything more you would like to share about your experience on the council?
Everyone on the council is warm and supportive. There will be topics that interest you more than others. It’s OK to speak up during discussions about the topics you are passionate about and it’s also OK to listen during the topics that don’t.
Christie
Member since 2021
Why did you join the Family Advisory Council?
I joined FAC as a way to give back for the excellent care my daughter has received at Children’s Minnesota. Her complex medical needs have brought us to many departments within the hospital system and I felt I had valuable perspectives to share on what has been great for us as well as some areas we might like to see change.
What do you do with the Family Advisory Council?
As a member of FAC, I meet monthly with other patient families and staff to discuss important topics and projects currently happening within Children’s Minnesota. It is an opportunity to share my family’s experiences and to advocate for all patient families to receive the very best care.
What would you say to families who are thinking about applying for the council?
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved and be heard by Children’s Minnesota staff and leadership. It is also a great way to meet and get to know other families of children with complex medical needs.
Do you have a favorite volunteer experience with the council?
I love that FAC allows us opportunities to get involved in other ways beyond the monthly meetings. Often our discussions lead to new projects, focus groups and committees related to particular topics and we can further our work in those areas if we choose to.
Is there anything more you would like to share about your experience on the council?
Being a part of FAC is very rewarding. I have loved learning more about the hospital system and being able to contribute to improvements in a tangible way. I feel that the feedback we provide is truly heard and valued by the organization.