Advocacy in Action: DPN’s Parent Empowerment Initiatives

Michigan’s premier parent engagement organization, Detroit Parent Network (DPN) continues its mission to educate, equip, and empower parents to champion their children and advocate for change in schools and communities. By providing valuable resources and fostering a supportive community, DPN enables parents to navigate the complexities of advocacy and policy-making effectively.

Recently, DPN celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort from its flagship program, Parents on Policy. This 15-week training program teaches parents how to channel their passion and energy into effective advocacy skills. Graduates of the program participate in advocacy trips to Lansing and Washington, D.C., where they apply their newfound skills in real-world policy environments. These experiences not only enhance their knowledge but also allow them to engage with policymakers and contribute to shaping legislation that impacts their families.

DPN’s innovative Parent2Parent approach is another cornerstone of its mission, training and hiring parents as literacy, health, and advocacy associates. This model emphasizes the importance of lived experience in advocacy. Barbara Young, a member of the second cohort in spring 2023, exemplifies this approach. Initially driven by a desire to protect her three children on the autism spectrum, Barbara learned how to form sound arguments, present facts and documentation, and engage with key stakeholders and legislators. She now works as a part-time Advocacy Associate, helping other parents navigate the program. Barbara’s encounter with State Senator Sarah Anthony was particularly inspiring, highlighting the importance of representation in advocacy. It demonstrated how parents can influence policy discussions, making them feel more heard and empowered.

Aisha Brown, a 41-year-old mother of two, also found her voice through the program. Previously active in school board meetings and the PTA, Aisha credits Parents on Policy with teaching her the structure needed to advocate effectively. Now the PTA Vice President, she regularly speaks on behalf of those in need and continues to be a dedicated advocate. Aisha’s journey reflects the transformative power of advocacy training, empowering parents to take on leadership roles within their communities and push for the necessary changes in education and social services.

Corey Brown, a father of two boys and an early education teacher, joined the program after seeing a flyer for Parents on Policy. Passionate about early childhood education and literacy, Corey presented on Universal Pre-K, a key policy shift being advocated by the Governor and the Michigan legislature. He now feels equipped to advocate for his policy agenda and contribute to early childhood education across the state. His experience illustrates how advocacy can extend beyond individual needs and contribute to systemic improvements for all children in Michigan.

The program’s culminating exercises for the fellows include various events designed to solidify their advocacy skills and facilitate connections with policymakers:

• Parents on Policy Learning Lab at the Mackinac Policy Conference: On May 28-29, fellows will participate in a deep dive into policy and legislative roles, focusing on the Governor’s budget. The Learning Lab combines classroom learning with experiential learning on Mackinac Island and in Mackinac City. On May 29, from 2-4 pm, fellows will interact with legislators and stakeholders at the Mackinac Island Park Conference Center, gaining valuable insights into the legislative process.
• Parents on Policy Virtual Townhall: In collaboration with Education Trust Midwest and the Autism Alliance of MI, DPN will host a virtual town hall on May 30 from 1-3 pm. Moderated by DPN CEO Jametta Lilly, Education Trust Midwest CEO Amber Arellano, and Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Director of Education Initiatives Heather Eckner, the event will feature policymakers discussing health, education, workforce, and judicial equity. An in-person watch party will be held at DPN’s main office for parents and partners to network and debrief, fostering community connections and further discussion on these critical issues.
• Advancing Parent Voices and Civic Engagement: This summer, DPN will collaborate with Southeast Michigan legislators, community organizations, and policy experts to host multiple “Parents on Policy Pop-Ups.” These events will provide a platform for community parents to discuss local and state issues, enjoy a meal, and explore ways to empower family voices in upcoming elections. This initiative emphasizes DPN’s commitment to amplifying parent voices, ensuring that their perspectives are central to policy discussions.

These events are part of DPN’s broader initiative to engage in policy issues affecting children and families, such as literacy, the Right to Read law, education equity, and appropriations to support families across the state. DPN plans to expand to 10 additional counties by 2025, reinforcing its commitment to making a significant impact on parent engagement and advocacy across Michigan.