Advocacy for Systems Change:
PACER’s 2023 Leadership Training for Parents of Children with Disabilities

Parents selected for this interactive, virtual training will:

• Learn about the influence of parent leadership in the history of special education
• Build capacity to advocate for improved supports and services for children with disabilities and their families with the power of personal experience
• Learn about parent leadership opportunities in Minnesota from the school district to the state level
• Set personal goals and develop a Parent Leadership Action Plan
• Network with other Minnesota parents of children with disabilities

This is NOT a training for parents interested in learning to advocate for their own child.  

This free training is for parents interested in taking their advocacy to the next level and advocating for systems change for all children, youth, and young adults with disabilities.

If you are the parent of a child or young adult with a disability who is 5 to 20 years old and currently receiving special education services on an IEP in the state of Minnesota,

If you have confidence advocating on behalf of your own child and you’re ready to move your advocacy to the next level,

If you are seeking opportunities to advocate for positive change in the lives of all children and young adults with disabilities and their families,

And if you can commit 2 days of your time and energy to actively participating in this interactive, virtual training with other parents across the state of Minnesota who also want to make a difference,

 

Trained Parent Leaders

• Speak and write to others in your community about the needs of children with disabilities and their families

• Join advisory committees at your school district, local, or state level and share your parent experience to influence decision-making on issues related to special education

• Use your voice to engage with policymakers and advocate for legislation that enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities

• Dedicate your unique gifts and strengths to work collaboratively for positive change so that every person with a disability can reach their highest potential

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Rachel Pearson at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]

Early Childhood Leadership Training — Empowering Families to be Part of Data-based Decision Making

This is a 2 part training on how to use data as part of an advisory council, an Interagency Early Intervention Committee, or other stakeholder groups. This training will inform families about early childhood education systems and the importance of understanding and using data to make decisions. Families will learn to be effective partners in decision-making.

Upon completion of the training, family leaders will know how to apply to become members of their schools district Special Education Advisory Councils, their regional Interagency Early Intervention Committees, the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council and other stakeholder groups.

Audience: Parents of children aged 7 and under with disabilities
Dates of trainings: January 13, 2024 and January 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 - 12:30
Format: Training sessions will be virtual

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Judy Swett at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]

Parent Leadership Summit on Children’s Mental Health

Friday September 8th from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Saturday September 9th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Online using Zoom

Are you a parent who’s passionate about improving access to children’s mental health care? Don’t miss PACER’s upcoming Parent Leadership Summit on Children’s Mental Health! You’ll learn how to build effective leadership skills through storytelling to effect meaningful change at the local and state level. Sharing your personal story is powerful, and you have a unique story to tell.

At this summit, you’ll learn the importance of parent leadership, opportunities for parent leadership in Minnesota, the role of legislation and policy, and how much power you have when you tell your personal story.

During this summit, you will work in small breakout sessions with other parents of children with mental health disabilities to:

• Connect with others on your shared experiences
• Role play to hone your storytelling skills
• Identify important issues
• Brainstorm possible solutions

By the end of the summit, you’ll be ready to explore parent leadership opportunities in your community and use your voice to advocate for better supports and services for children with mental and behavioral health needs in Minnesota.

If you have questions about this training opportunity, contact Laura Jean at 952-838-9000 or [email protected]