What is the Parent Leadership Network?
What is the National Parent Leadership Team®?
What is Parents Anonymous® Inc.?
What is a Parents Anonymous® Program?
What is the Parent Leadership Network?
The Parent Leadership Network is an online community for parents (and anyone in a parenting role), and for staff and professionals who want to connect with parents. It was created for its members to:
- Share personal statements and experiences related to shared leadership;
- Ask questions related to parent leadership or shared leadership;
- Share information about conferences, events, trainings, publications, and other activities related to parent leadership and shared leadership;
- Highlight and/or share media coverage of Parent Leaders, parent leadership and shared leadership;
- Raise questions and share your own experiences speaking in public to help reach out to other parents and educate your community about the needs and interests of families and children;
- Share useful information and examples of local, state and national activities related to National Parent Leadership Month;
- Ask questions or make suggestions about issues relating to the role of the Parent Group Leader in a Parents Anonymous® Group;
- Share ideas or ask questions about developing, operating and supporting a Parent Leadership Team, Parent Advisory Council or similar structure;
- Pose questions, present information or recommend strategies on advocacy for oneself, one's family, community or other interests;
- Talk about ways staff, community members, policymakers and others can help to recognize and acknowledge Parent Leaders and promote parent Leadership and shared leadership.
The Parent Leadership Network was created by the National Parent Leadership Team® and is hosted by Parents Anonymous® Inc. In the model of shared leadership, it is moderated by members of the National Parent Leadership Team® and administered by Parents Anonymous® Inc.
What is the National Parent Leadership Team®?
The National Parent Leadership Team® is a national organizational unit that ensures that parents share leadership with staff in all policy and program decisions related to Parents Anonymous® Inc. It is made up of a diverse group of mothers, fathers and grandparents who demonstrate leadership in their local Parents Anonymous® Programs, as well as in other areas in their communities. These parents represent the broad ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity of the Parents Anonymous® Programs throughout the country. Each member is nominated for a 3-year term by their local Parents Anonymous® organization. The National Parent Leadership Team® was developed in 1994 from a vision inspired by Parents Anonymous® Inc.’s commitment to parent leadership and shared leadership.
The National Parent Leadership Team® works closely with Parents Anonymous® Inc. staff in many areas, providing strong examples of shared leadership. Members of the National Parent Leadership Team® work with staff as co-trainers throughout the year, training staff and Parent Leaders on the Parents Anonymous® Program and shared leadership models. Team Members work on various committees. For example they help in areas such as developing resource materials, updating information, reviewing accreditation applications, and moderating the Parent Leadership Network.
What is Parents Anonymous® Inc.?
Parents Anonymous® Inc. is an international family strengthening organization. Its main office is located in Claremont, California. Parents Anonymous® Inc. provides technical assistance, support and direction to state and regional accredited Parents Anonymous® organizations that operate Parents Anonymous® Programs. The organization began in 1969 through the efforts of Jolly K., the founding Parents Anonymous® parent. Parents Anonymous® Inc. was the first family strengthening organization to:
- Recognize the impact of parents speaking publicly about their life experiences
- Identify the importance of parents working side-by-side with service providers and policymakers to provide direction on family strengthening issues
- Advance an ambitious research agenda on parent leadership and shared leadership.
What is a Parents Anonymous® Program?
Parents Anonymous® is an evidence-based support group model that prevents child abuse and neglect. In Parents Anonymous® Groups, parents or anyone in a parenting role will find a safe, supportive, therapeutic, non-judgmental, environment to make life-long changes for themselves and their children. Groups are free of charge and are based on the Parents Anonymous® Principles of Parent Leadership, Mutual Support, Shared Leadership, and Personal Growth. Parents Anonymous® Inc. believes that every parent is a Parent Leader. Parents Anonymous® Groups are led by a Parent Group Leader and a Group Facilitator. Children can attend a Parents Anonymous® Children/Youth Program, as well. For more information, or to find a Parents Anonymous® Group near you, visit the Parents Anonymous® Inc. website.
