Parents are uniquely motivated to advance positive change in their communities and create a better world for their children.

Parents have been integral co-creators and contributors to the Power of Parenting program from its inception. Building on what we’ve learned from years of parent leadership efforts—and decades of working with parents—Families First launched our new Parent Leadership program in the summer of 2020.

This application-based program elevates the essential role of parents in shaping equitable local policies and systems that impact their children’s lives, to propel them into a more optimal future.

The program will help fill major gaps around parent participation in community-level planning and decision-making, leading to long-term positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Over the course of three months, Families First provides participants with trainings on topics such as:

Participants then complete a 6-month project with support from a parent mentor, Families First, and a Community Impact Partner.

The primary goals of each Community Impact Project are to:

(1) elevate parent perspectives on issues that will optimize their children’s potential

(2) shape more equitable early childhood systems and improve communities

Following the Parent Leadership program, Leadership Fellows have the opportunity to apply to become a Parent Ambassador at Families First. This paid position allows parents to use their immense knowledge, expertise, and lived experience to enhance our programming and support and mentor other parents.