Taking the Lead
There are more definitions for "parent" than letters in the alphabet. They are allies, bottle-washers, chauffeurs -- you get the idea. When it comes to the letter "L" parents are loving, laughable (especially to adolescents), and often, lines of credit (especially for teens). Parents are also lookouts for their children's best interests. When parents speak out on behalf of their own child, the changes they request often help improve programs and services for all children. Riding the wave of a successful parent/professional partnership, or occasionally getting caught in the undertow of a failed one, may be the incentive to continue to work to change and improve services and systems. When parents take on this role, they are LEADERS!
Parent leadership roles are many and varied and include:
Participating on advisory & hiring committees
Reviewing grants
Helping schools & community programs develop policies
Being part of quality improvement efforts at pediatric practices and hospitals
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