Empowering Parents to Lead: Transforming Care into Action
Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) at Catalyst CT enables parents to advocate effectively for their children. Parents’ voices are often unheard, but they do not lack motivation to improve their children’s lifelong health, safety, and education. PLTI teaches them the skills they need to become practiced change agents for the next generation.
Participants learn to become a strong voice for change, including accessible child and health care, quality and accountability in education and other systems, and neighborhood safety. At Catalyst CT, we’re nurturing youth empowerment services and programs where parents help create a brighter future for their children.
Who We Are
Celebrating over 25 years of service within Bridgeport, PLTI is a family civics initiative of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. The cornerstone values of the program are respect, validation, and a belief that when the tools of democracy are understood, the public will become active participants in transforming our communities together.
Who Should Apply
Parents and other caring adults who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Training
This nationally recognized curriculum, currently taught in 69 communities, is offered at no cost to parents and caregivers.
Areas of Focus include:
- Community
- Personal development
- Public speaking
- Civics course on politics, policy, and media
- A cumulative final community project
Each cohort makes a 22-week commitment. The first week is a mandatory all-day retreat on Saturday. No childcare provided. Graduation will be held at local and statewide levels.
Selection Process
Candidates are selected from a pool of diverse applicants interested in developing leadership skills. After applications are received, interviews are conducted, followed by an acceptance award letter and contract agreement.
Children’s Leadership Training Institute
Complementing the PLTI initiative, the children of selected parents can participate in CLTI, which aims to enrich the advocacy skills of children ages 3–12. They learn to become agents of change and assume leadership roles as well. They also expand their capacity to develop and implement projects that foster continued community service. In addition, each week, participants are given a free book to keep and take home.
Together, we’re shaping leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on children and their families in the communities we serve.