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Conference introduction |
Parents leading the way ...
toward stronger communities for children
Oct 17-18, 2003 -- Oakland, CA
Conference overview
Who should come?
Parents Leading the Way is a two-day conference designed for emerging
parent leaders and organization staff working together in family support,
education, early childhood, and community settings to build stronger communities
for children. Parents who are working in their communities to create positive
changes for children and families - along with community organizers, service
providers, adult educators, outreach workers, and executive directors
interested in fostering parent leadership - will benefit greatly from
this event.
This is the first Bay Area conference on parent leadership to bring together
parent leaders, organizations, and youth in an interactive, peer-learning
environment.
We will:
- Explore key issues, challenges, and possibilities along the road to
leadership
- Build new skills and strategies to apply in our communities
- Experience new ways of cross-cultural teaching, learning, and relating
- Connect with peers and begin new collaborations
- Celebrate our strengths and our diversity!
Why parents?
From participating in their children's schools to testifying at the State
Capitol, parents bring the most immediate, authentic voice and deepest
commitment to the welfare of their children. Recognizing the power of
parent voices, many organizations, school districts, and public agencies
have focused increasing energy to develop parents as leaders in schools
and communities. This conference is an opportunity for parents and organizations
to strengthen these efforts by building skills, sharing what works, and
connecting with each other.
How is this conference different?
Parents Leading the Way is based on the belief that we are all leaders.
Instead of keynote speakers telling the story of parent leadership, we
will ground the proceedings in the wisdom and experience of participants,
learning from each other in participatory activities that build upon our
shared values, history, and potential for creating social change.
About Action Alliance for Children:
For 30 years, Action Alliance for Children (AAC) has played a key role
in the children's advocacy movement by informing, convening, and encouraging
action. Action Alliance for Children is the publisher of the award-winning
Children's Advocate newsmagazine and special reports including Pathways
to Parent Leadership. AAC is grateful to the Zellerbach Family Foundation
for its ongoing support of our efforts to strengthen parent leadership.
Celebrating Leaders Exhibit
We invite you to create a poster-sized profile of parent leaders in your
community and/or organization and bring it to be displayed in the main
conference hall.
Profiles can include
- written stories celebrating parent leaders
- descriptions of the successes and challenges of parent leadership
efforts and lessons learned
- original artwork by adults and/or children
- photographs, collage, etc.
Please check the "Celebrating Leaders Exhibit" box on the Registration
Form if you plan to participate.
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