20 potential students have signed up for Parent Leadership Training Institute interviews in Glendive, Montana

With one week remaining to recruit participants for a Parent Leadership Training Institute http://www.cga.ct.gov/COC/plti.htm , 20 potential students have signed up for interviews and plans are going forward to start PLTI, Saturday, Jan. 16.

PLTI is a parent-driven project, design team member Pete Bruno said. Earlier in the year, he introduced a group of parent leaders to the program which was developed by a Connecticut Commission on Children Civic Leadership Initiative. The parent leaders reviewed the curriculum and identified topics that were not being addressed by any current local resources. “We want this,” they told Bruno.

According to the PLTI national office, 35 applicants are needed for the 20-week course so that an enrollment of between 25 and 30 parents is assured. Even though an additional 15 parents are needed to reach that number, Bruno is optimistic that the course will be offered in January.

At a design team meeting Wednesday noon, it was noted that parents who have been nominated for the course and been contacted by Bruno have all been excellent candidates who have responded with a lot of interest. When they learn what is being offered, they are willing to make time in their busy schedules to participate, he reported.

PLTI is designed for parents who want to learn how to have a positive voice in the community for themselves and their children. It also appeals to those who are interested in quality education, he said.

Interviews for applicants will be held between Jan. 4 and Jan. 15. The interview process takes between 15-20 minutes and is basically a conversation outlining the goals and expectations of the program. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 8. Application forms are available at the Parent Resource Center.

The program will begin with a required Saturday retreat to be held from 1 to 6 p.m., Jan. 16 in the community room of the Dawson County Courthouse. Classes will begin Tuesday, Jan. 19 with a 5 p.m. supper. They will also be held in the courthouse. Child care will be provided for all sessions including the Saturday retreat, he said.

Teachers who enroll in the course will have the choice of earning renewal credits for their certification or a letter grade. Those who complete the course will receive three college credits through Dawson Community College, he said

Each participant is required to design a personal community or civic project. An example of a project done in another community is of a parent who wanted to work on improving day care regulations at the state level. The parent developed a strategy and met with a state legislator to discuss it. The legislator was impressed by the work that had been done and agreed to write a bill advancing the ideas that had been presented, Bruno said

One parent who has expressed interest in the course is struggling with some issues right now. Her project may be to develop and field-test a resource booklet helping her resolve that struggle, he said.

Funding for the program will not compete with other local projects trying to raise funds. Businesses will not be asked for contributions, he said, adding, “We want to add dollars, not take away from Glendive.”

Parents interested in learning more about the institute are encouraged to contact Bruno at 406-377-7515 or stop by the PRC which is located in the basement of the Glendive Public Library.

By Cindy Mullet
Ranger-Review Staff Writer

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