In 1989 MALDEF began a pilot leadership initiative targeting Latino parents of public school children. MALDEF adapted its mid-career leadership program to the needs of parents in order to develop their advocacy skills on behalf of their children. The program provides parents with the skills necessary to critically analyze the performance of public schools and to engage in collaborative efforts and advocate for change to improve the quality of education their children receive.
The goal of the Parent Leadership Program is to provide parents with the skills, knowledge, tools and experience needed to work within the school system and to participate as leaders in their school communities. Parents also learn how to evaluate their children's progress and to prepare them for higher education. Many of the parents involved in the project have children at various grade levels - elementary, middle and high schools.
With a focus on parents' rights and responsibilities, the program uses a five-month, 80-unit curriculum. Parents graduate with the tools to de-mystify the school system, thereby removing the bureaucratic barriers that often come between Latinos and their desire to participate and contribute.
PROGRAM GOALS:
- Continuation of Existing Programs: Continue programs in:
- San Antonio, Texas (5th Year)
- South Central Los Angeles, California (3rd Year)
- Establishment of New Programs: Establish new parent leadership programs in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Houston, Texas.
- Fundraising: Continue to raise funds for this program nationally and supplement local support.
- Capacity Building for Program Continuity: Develop and test strategies for imbedding each program in its community to ensure that this resource for leadership development will exist after its five year operation by MALDEF.
