Turning the Page’s parent leadership initiatives help parents identify their strengths, build social capital within their school communities, and take action. In addition to year-round parent leadership support, Turning the Page leads at least two, six-hour leadership conferences each year for parent leaders across all partner schools in D.C. and Chicago. During these invigorating conferences, parents come together to learn from one another and collaborate on ideas to improve their schools and serve their neighborhoods.
“That Day Was Our Day”
As we previously wrote about in our Community Nights, we take great care in preparing informational workshops about how parents can play a more active role in their student’s lives. But the day long parent leadership conference allows time for parents to really sink into their thoughts and ideas. At a previous conference in Chicago, one parent leader said that “It was really enlightening, really good for self-image…That day was our day as parents to think about things we don’t have time to reflect on.” Community partners table at these conferences to share information to parents. We also invite elected officials as a way to further breakdown bureaucratic barriers that can discourage parent involvement.
Another previous conference in Chicago started off with discussions on building a community and recognizing individuals’ core values. Knowing ones core values is a key component in becoming a leader. Parents then highlighted their most important values and shared them with one another. Sharing these values help parents feel more confident in engaging in their student’s lives. Engaged minds coming together in one room provides the necessary network to bring larger ideas into fruition. For example, in Washington D.C., a trip to the National African American History and Culture Museum blossomed into a panel led by parents about equity in schools.
Of course, while this day is primarily for parents, we haven’t forgotten about our young scholars! During each parent leadership conference, we come up with a fun and informative experience for the children at one of our city’s finest cultural institutions. In the past, students have visited the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum in Chicago and the National Air and Space Museum and the MLK Library in D.C. for instance.
Taking The Next Steps
Each conference varies from year to year. We depend on feedback from what parents deem to be a priority in their children’s education and at their schools. In addition to information-sharing, we have created art projects, talked about anti-bullying initiatives, and discussed how parents can get in touch with the City Council to directly affect change in their children’s lives. These conferences continue to be a part of our programming not just as a place for ideas, but how to turn them into concrete solutions, as parents continue to make sure their voices are heard when it comes to their child’s education.
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