American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults
Future Reflections Convention 2016 PROGRAMS
The Parent Leadership Program
by Carol Castellano
From the Editor: For more than three decades Carol Castellano has been a driving force behind the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC). She is a past president of both the NOPBC and the Parents of Blind Children-New Jersey. She is the author of four books, including Making It Work and Getting Ready for College Begins in Third Grade.
The Parent Leadership Program (PLP) began in 2006 with the goal of empowering new parent leaders throughout the United States. The program strives to give parents the critical leadership and advocacy skills they need to found or strengthen state Parents of Blind Children chapters and to advocate on the local, state, and national levels for equal rights and a full education for blind children.
The PLP endeavors to inspire new parent leaders with Federation philosophy, connect them with Federation leaders, and teach them to work toward policy and legislative changes that will improve the lives of blind people. The program seeks parents who show the commitment and leadership potential to take on these tasks. Each year the PLP invites recommendations from NFB and POBC state leaders. It also encourages parents to express their interest in joining the program. During the ten-year history of the PLP, nearly two hundred parents from forty-three states have taken part in the program. Most participants have gone on to found or serve on the boards of state POBC chapters. Many have served on the NOPBC board as well.
The Parent Leadership Program consists of special workshops and training sessions, supplemented by mentoring, phone conferences, and opportunities to meet key Federation leaders. The main events take place at the NFB national convention and at the Washington Seminar, where participants have the chance to see the Federation in action.
At convention the PLP focuses on philosophy, interaction, and networking, with each participant being provided with NFB mentors. Workshops at the Washington Seminar focus on the nuts and bolts of getting a parents' division up and running. Participants also learn advocacy skills and meet national leaders and members of state affiliates. Each participant has the opportunity to go to Capitol Hill with his or her state affiliate to advocate for laws that improve the lives and further the rights of blind people.
If you would like more information about the PLP, or if you would like to nominate someone to participate, please contact me or NOPBC President Kim Cunningham. Feel free to nominate yourself if you're interested in getting involved! We would welcome your participation!
You can reach me at [email protected] or (973) 377-0976. Kim Cunningham can be reached at [email protected], (713) 501-9659.
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