To fully understand parent leadership, it is important to understand the principles and benefits of shared leadership. Shared leadership involves a true partnership between parents and staff members who share responsibility for the process and outcomes of the group or team. Specific leadership roles are carried out by different members of the group at different times.
Principles of Shared Leadership
�� Parents and staff members are equal partners
�� No one person has all of the solutions; it depends on how people act together to make sense of the situations that face them
�� Mutual respect, trust and open-mindedness
�� Collective action based upon shared vision, ownership and accountability
�� Consensus building instead of a democratic process
Benefits of Engaging Parent Leaders within a Shared Leadership Model
Benefits to parents and their families:
�� Builds knowledge and skills
�� Increases sense of personal achievement
�� Opens doors for employment
�� Offers leadership role models for other families
�� Models community involvement and empowerment for own children and family
�� Prevents child abuse and neglect
Benefits to providers:
�� Enhances relationships between families and providers
�� Increases appreciation of various cultures
�� Improves the quality of programs and services
�� Develops a fresh perspective on how services should be delivered
Parent Involvement and Leadership at Every Level
The role of a parent leader is constantly evolving. Leadership roles can begin within a program, such as a parent support group, and evolve, with nurturing, support, and training, into leadership roles within the organization and the community. A parent leader may eventually advocate for systemic change on behalf of children and families. Some specific roles a parent leader may assume are listed below.
Within a parenting group, a parent leader can act as a:
�� New member liaison. Parent leaders can take calls from perspective members, introduce new members during meetings and provide new members with program and resource information.
�� Meeting space specialist. Parent leaders can arrange for space, make sure the room is set-up for the meeting and cleaned up after the meeting. They can also make sure resource materials are set-up for group members.
�� Greeter. Parent leaders can make sure each member feels welcome by greeting each parent that comes. They can also start the group with opening statements, and end with closing statements.
�� Transportation coordinator. Parent leaders can make sure everyone has transportation to the group meeting and home from the meeting.
�� Secretary. Parent leaders can take attendance and help with note taking for the group. They can also help with attendance of the children’s program, if applicable.
Within a program or the organization, parent leaders can:
�� Review and provide input for development of parent materials
�� Assist with training facilitators, parent leaders and children’s program staff
�� Help with local events and fundraisers
�� Mentor other families enrolled in programs
�� Become members of task forces, advisory councils or board of directors
Within the community, parent leaders can:
�� Generate public awareness about the importance of family support programs in the community
�� Serve on community councils and advisory boards
�� Volunteer in local events for child abuse prevention month and year round events
�� Advocate for family support programs and prevention services
�� Submit letters to the editor and opinion editorials on the importance of parent leadership and involvement with their children.
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