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To the Editor,

West Hartford is such a special place, but even in a loving and welcoming town like ours, it can be hard to know how to get involved or where to start. That is why I want to share my experience with the Parent Leadership Training Institute, a program that helped me feel truly connected as a resident and gave me the tools and confidence to participate more fully in our community.

And even though it is called the Parent Leadership Training Institute, you do not need to be a parent to join. The program is open to anyone who wants to learn, get involved, and build stronger connections in West Hartford.

One of the things I appreciated most was the people I met. Through PLTI, I had the chance to talk with town and state leaders and get to know them as real neighbors who care deeply about our families. You also meet some of our wonderful local celebrities like Ronni Newton from We-Ha.com, who is every bit as warm and community-minded in person as she seems in her writing.

But what truly makes PLTI special is the group experience. In today’s world, it can be surprisingly hard to make new friends as an adult. PLTI changes that. Over the 20 weeks, you learn together, share stories, laugh, and support one another. You sit in a room with immigrants, out-of-state transplants, and longtime West Hartford residents, all trying to make the community better. It feels like belonging in the most genuine way.

For families with young children, PLTI offers free childcare, which makes participation realistically possible for many people.

The program also helps you take a personal idea or concern and turn it into something real. My own project started with worries about pedestrian safety and helping families feel more connected, and PLTI helped me shape that into something meaningful. My classmates brought projects to life in areas like literacy, mental health, safer streets, language access, and community resources.

The next PLTI session begins in January, and people are applying now. If you have ever wanted to get more involved in West Hartford, or if you simply want to feel more rooted and connected in town, this is a beautiful opportunity. You do not need any special background or experience, just curiosity and a desire to help strengthen our community.

To learn more or submit an application, visit: https://tinyurl.com/WestHartfordPLTI

West Hartford becomes warmer and more connected when more of us step forward as engaged neighbors.

With appreciation,
Carolina Ramirez
West Hartford Resident and PLTI Graduate