Parent Power Lab

Parent Organizing InstituteParent Power Lab continued its cornerstone training program, the Parent Organizing Institute. This year with 21 successful graduates and over 30 applicants thus far for the 2024 session. Additionally, Parent Power Lab successfully completed the development of two additional training programs adding to program offerings. These additional training programs will provide several opportunities for beginning and intermediate participants seeking to engage in our work without investing the time commitment and rigor required to complete the Parent Organizing Institute. This allows the Parent Power Lab to continue building its capacity of engaged parents from multiple entry points beginner to advanced.

Parent Issues AssemblyThe Parent Power Lab successfully executed its Parent Issues Assembly and School Board Candidate Forum. Over 120 Parents, students and community members enthusiastically participated in the half-day Issues Assembly. We also had 100% attendance from school board candidates seeking to serve on the Kansas City Public School Board. The Issues Assembly and Candidate Forum was completely run by Parent participants in the Parent Organizing Institute. The overwhelming reaction was that this should be an annual event. The Parent Power Lab has committed to spearheading and advancing this event annually as a result of its success.

Parent TeamsAs a result of the in depth training provided by the Parent Power Lab, our Parent Leaders have begun to develop Parent team which we call Parent Power Circles. Parent Power Circles have formed at specific school sites and have additionally formed around other specific educational issues such as: Special Education, Home Schooling, ect. Parent Power Lab supported the Special Education Parent Power Circle in specific policy research as it related to developing a parent-driven Special Education Legal Clinic. This valuable research was conducted by the Urban Leaders Fellows and provided the groundwork for building the Special Education Legal Clinic. Additionally, we continue to work with Parent Power Circle at school sites to author and implement transformative school policy at the school and district level.