Convening Partners
It takes a village to raise a child. It takes community partnerships to tackle systemic issues affecting students. JPEF serves as a research-led convener, bringing together school system leaders, partner organizations, funders, and the community to work on shared goals.
Parents Who Lead
What Impact Does Parents Who Lead Have on Participants?
I am so proud to be a part of the PWL family. Being able to fellowship with like-minded individuals has been one of the most empowering and rewarding experiences. PWL has reminded me that advocacy is a way of life, and not just something one can dip in and out of. Learning how to use my voice for the voiceless is paramount for change in our communities."
- Yasmina White, Parents Who Lead Cohort V
Join Parents Who Lead
Parents Who Lead teaches parents/caregivers who want to improve the lifelong health, safety and learning of children, how to become change agents. Parents Who Lead is an initiative that seeks to turn parents/caregivers into civic leaders and a training ground in civics and democracy.
Parent and caregiver engagement is no longer only about speaking up and participating on behalf of your own children. Being involved in child advocacy also means building relationships inside and outside of the school system because those relationships impact all children.
Parent Leaders are offered 20 training sessions using the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) curriculum, which is built on adult learning practices. The Jacksonville Public Education Fund also supports Parents Who Lead alumni on community projects improving outcomes for students.
Parents Who Lead prepares you to be more actively involved in child advocacy. The program organizes events for participants to learn about the structure of local government and empowers parents to translate problems into action.
You will learn:
- How cities and school systems work
- How and when to speak in public forums
- How to influence decisions in ways that create lasting change for all the kids in your community
By the end of the program, participants are able to create personalized projects that address changes they want to see in the education system.
Even after the program ends, your involvement doesn’t! JPEF organizes alumni events and opportunities to share your expertise as a parent and child advocate.
The initiative is a partnership between JPEF, Duval County Public Schools, the Jacksonville Public Library and the Kids Hope Alliance.
Related Content
Blog Post: HOW ONE PARENT USED SKILLS LEARNED IN PARENTS WHO LEAD TO RESTART SCHOOL PTA
I am tremendously grateful for the Parents Who Lead platform. The facilitators are excellent at disseminating the training material provided, thus; contributing to the knowledge retained. I am happy to have been presented with this opportunity to continue my mission to effect growth in the lives of others. The PWL platform has given me a wealth of experience and expanded my knowledge of civic leadership, engagement and Advocacy development. I am very excited to attend the classes as I always leave feeling equipped and ready for impact. I am eager to serve as my purpose is to give the best of me to help others live a more harmonious life. Thank you PWL for Empowering us so we can empower others. -- Kaydia Sardine, Parents Who Lead Cohort V
School Facts Jax
Get facts about Duval County Schools and compare school scores including student test scores, student demographics and specialized programs from the Florida Department of Education.