Bethel Parents Invited To Learn Leadership Skills, Help All Children

DANBURY, Conn. — Parents are their children's first teachers and are their best advocates, experts say. But even the best parents can use a bit of help.

Katherine Tucker is the coordinator of the Parent Leadership Training Institute in Danbury.
Photo Credit: *Karen Tensa*

Daily Voice

12/01/2015 5:30 a.m.

Parents across the greater Danbury area are invited to take part in the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a free 20-week course developed by the Connecticut Commission on Children that begins next month. It provides parents with the skills they need to become leaders in the community and schools to improve the lives of all children.

"Many parents want to take part in PLTI to learn how to help their own children and to make the community a better place," said Katherine Tucker, a PLTI graduate herself and the coordinator for the program in Danbury. "And most parents say it is a life-changing experience."

Parents who are curious to learn more about the program can take part in "A Taste of PLTI." This special preview event will be held Tuesday Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the community room at the Danbury Police Station at 375 Main St.

Tucker and other alumni of the program will be on-hand to answer questions from interested parents. Two facilitators will lead a guided discussion as well, which will give parents a real taste of what the PLTI experience is like.

Parents will also learn about the tools of democracy they can use to make a difference in the community and how to be actively engaged in civic life.

"It gives parents the confidence they need to improve the lives of children," Tucker said.

Parents, grandparents, guardians, caregivers and teachers are encouraged to attend and learn more about the program.

The 20-week course will begin in January with a Saturday retreat and continue with classes on Thursday evenings in Danbury.

Free dinner for the whole family and child care is provided as part of the course.

The PLTI curriculum includes some of the following topics:

Creating a Caring Community for Children
Thriving with Diversity
Parents as Change Agents
Defining a Problem and Working Toward a Solution
Learning How the Community & Local Systems Work
The Power of the Media and How to Use It
Using Your Voice
The Social & Economic Trends Affecting Children and Families
How State and Local Governments Work

For more information, visit the website for Danbury Children First, call 203-797-8088 or email danburyplti@gmail.com.

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