Developing and Sustaining Effective Parent Advisory Committees Training

Founded in 2011, the National Family Support Network (NFSN) is a membership-based organization comprised of state networks of two or more Family Resource Centers working together within a collective impact framework to ensure coordinated quality support for families. As the United States’ coordinating body for Family Strengthening & Support networks, the NFSN currently has 38 member networks, comprised of more than 3,000 Family Support and Strengthening organizations, representing the great geographical and demographic diversity of the nation.The mission of the NFSN is to promote positive outcomes for all children, families, and communities by leveraging the collective impact of state networks and championing quality family support and family strengthening practices and policies.

National Family Support Network

How can an active Parent Advisory Committee enhance a Program's work with families?What steps are needed to create and sustain an effective Parent Advisory Committee?Why should Programs share decision-making with Program participants?A Parent Advisory Committee is a leadership group of Program participants that provides input, guidance, and feedback to a Program on a regular basis. An active Parent Advisory Committee can be a highly effective method of supporting meaningful parent engagement, developing parent leadership skills, and supporting a Program's success. PACs advance equity by engaging diverse community members and developing their agency in the Program and community.Yet many Programs report struggling with managing Parent Advisory Committees. Funders often expect Programs to have them, yet less frequently ensure Programs have training and support to implement them well. Parents serving on these committees sometimes feel that their participation and contributions are not useful or valued.Whether Programs are exploring setting up a new Parent Advisory Committee, or seeking to strengthen an existing one, the National Family Support Network's <a href="https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/training" title="https://www.nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org/training" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Developing and Sustaining Effective Parent Advisory Committees Training</a> will provide staff with the strategies and tools to maximize their value-add for both parents and Programs. Please note that the participation of Program leadership (Executive Directors, Directors, Managers) is needed in order to be able to implement the model effectively.The training is co-trained by a NFSN staff member and an experienced national Parent Leader, modeling and reinforcing the importance of meaningful staff-parent partnerships.Each time the training has been offered, 95-100% of training participants have indicated the training was effective or very effective in enhancing their knowledge and skills about developing and sustaining effective parent advisory committees and felt prepared or well-prepared to develop and sustain them.Recommended participants:Please note that while all are welcome, this training is focused on what staff need to do to meaningfully engage parents in shared leadership. The participation of Program leaders (Executive Directors, Directors, Managers) is needed in order to be able to implement the model effectively.Participants will:<ul><li>Identify the benefits and challenges of parent leadership development</li><li>Learn the key steps and timeline to create and sustain a Parent Advisory Committee</li><li>Begin action planning for developing or strengthening a Parent Advisory Committee</li></ul>Schedule:Each Day: 11:30am-5:00pmET/10:30am-4:00pmCT/9:30am-3:00pmMT/8:30am-2:00pmPT

Training Payment MethodsCredit Card: Through EventbriteCheck: If you would like to pay by check, please contact Michael at michael@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org. He can also provide an invoice, if needed. Registration is not confirmed until payment is received.To request a copy of the NFSNʻs W9 form, please contact Michael Jones at michael@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org.Refund/Cancellation PolicyWe understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, and have developed policies that balance those with the costs of providing trainings:Cancelation Policy: Registration may be canceled until 5pmET on February 13th for a refund minus a $50.00 processing fee. Cancelation requests should be emailed to NFSN at training@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org. There are no refunds after February 13th.Transfer Policy: Registration may be transferred to one of the next three available trainings for a $25.00 processing fee, up to and until 24 hours before the scheduled start of the training. Transfer requests should be emailed to NFSN at training@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org.QuestionsContact training@nationalfamilysupportnetwork.org

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