The free program helps West Hartford residents build the skills to become strong advocates for children, families and their community.

Submitted

The Bridge Family Center is now accepting applications for its Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI), a free program that equips community members with the leadership, advocacy and civic skills to make a lasting difference for children.

PLTI combines leadership training, civic education and advocacy practice in a single curriculum. Participants learn how local and state government works, how decisions affecting children and families get made, and how to speak up effectively on the issues they care about. Over the course of the program, each participant designs and carries out a community project of their own. Many people assume PLTI is a parenting class, but it is something different: a hands-on leadership program focused on creating change for kids.

The Bridge has offered PLTI in West Hartford since 2012, and its graduates have gone on to serve on boards and commissions, lead school and community initiatives, and mentor new classes of parent leaders.

PLTI is 100% free for all participants (also includes free childcare for ages 4+ and a free meal before each class) and is open to any parent, guardian, grandparent, or community member, from West Hartford or any town within reasonable driving distance of WH to attend weekly classes. This training is for anyone would like to build their leadership, advocacy, and civic skills with the goal of improving the lives of children and families. Many of grads go on to create lasting impactful community programs, become powerful advocates for their own children and others, join boards and commissions, and even run for office. Additionally, our participants build lifelong bonds and friendships with one another, which is a really wonderful added benefit!

Who can join?

PLTI is open to anyone who cares about the well-being of children, including parents, grandparents, guardians, and people who live or work in West Hartford or have children in West Hartford Public Schools. You do not need to be a parent to apply.

Time commitment

The program begins with one Saturday retreat in December, followed by 20 weekly classes on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. from December to May. Classes meet at the Charter Oak Family Resource Center, 425 Oakwood Avenue, West Hartford. Childcare is available for children ages 4 and older.

“PLTI gives people the confidence and the tools to turn what they care about into action. Our graduates leave knowing how to make their voices heard, and West Hartford is stronger for it.” said Kathryn Deane, PLTI Coordinator at the Bridge Family Center.

How to apply

To apply or learn more, contact Kathryn Deane at [email protected] or use the following link: https://tinyurl.com/WestHartfordPLTI

About The Bridge Family Center

Founded in 1969 and based in West Hartford, CT, the Bridge Family Center is a comprehensive, regional nonprofit agency that provides a broad range of services for children, adults, and families throughout the Greater Hartford region. We focus equally on prevention and intervention and support members of our community at each stage of their lives.

About PLTI

The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a family civics initiative of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) a statewide initiative using a curriculum developed in Connecticut to help parents and community members become effective advocates for children.

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