Parent Leadership Month

When people hear the word leadership, they often picture someone standing at the front of a room, holding a microphone, or leading a meeting. But for the families we work alongside, leadership usually looks very different. And it’s happening every day. 

Parent leadership is often quiet and practical. It’s rooted in care, responsibility, and showing up for others. Many parents and caregivers don’t even realize they’re leading when they do it. 

Leadership Shows Up Every Day 

We see parent leadership in the small, steady things families do to make daily life work. 

It’s the parent who organizes a carpool so everyone gets to school on time. 
The caregiver who watches a neighbor’s kids after school so another family can keep their job. 
The parent who helps out with a school group, coaches a team, or volunteers in the community. 
The caregiver who asks questions at a school meeting, makes phone calls to get support, or speaks up when something doesn’t feel right for their child. 

These moments don’t always come with recognition. But they matter. They help families stay connected, supported, and moving forward. That is leadership. 

Parents and Caregivers Know Their Families Best 

At the Family Resource Center, we see this every day. Parents and caregivers are the experts on their own families. 

Our work starts by listening. We learn from the lived experiences, ideas, and strengths families bring with them. That’s why our programs are designed to be parent-led and family-centered. The most meaningful support grows out of real life, not assumptions. 

Leadership isn’t about having a title or special training. It’s about experience, insight, and care. Every parent and caregiver already has those. 

How We Walk Alongside Families 

Our role isn’t to tell families what to do. It’s to walk alongside them as they find their voice, build confidence, and advocate for what their family needs. 

As one parent shared with us: 

“My worker is absolutely wonderful. She encourages me to advocate for my family’s needs and challenges me to dig deep into what will truly work and benefit my family.” 

That’s what parent leadership looks like in action. Support that builds confidence, not dependence. 

We support parent leadership by: 

• Creating welcoming spaces where parents feel safe being themselves 

• Offering opportunities to build skills, confidence, and connection 

• Encouraging parents to speak up at school, in meetings, and in the places where decisions are made 

• Making sure parent voices help shape our programs and decisions 

Sometimes leadership looks like speaking up in a group for the first time. Sometimes it’s sharing feedback that helps improve a program. Sometimes it’s supporting another parent who’s going through something similar. 

Those moments add up… for families and for the whole community. 

Finding Your Voice, At Your Own Pace 

Many parents tell us they didn’t think of themselves as leaders, until someone invited them to share their experience. 

Leadership doesn’t have to be loud or perfect. It can be collective. It can be slow. It can start with one conversation. 

If you’ve ever stood up for your child, helped another family, or spoken from your own experience to make something better, you’re already leading. 

An Invitation to Get Involved 

During Parent Leadership Month, we take time to recognize the leadership that already exists in our community. And to open the door a little wider. 

If you’re a parent or caregiver who’s interested in sharing your voice or getting more involved, we’d love to connect. There are many ways to participate, including: 

• Sharing feedback through participant surveys 

• Volunteering with programs or events 

• Joining focus groups to help guide our work 

• Becoming part of our Community Advisory Board 

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need your experience… and a willingness to share it. 

If you’re curious about what that could look like for you, reach out to us. We’re here to listen, learn, and grow together. 

Because parent leadership isn’t something we create. It’s something we recognize, support, and build alongside families every day.