In Action Our Vision Families realize and use their own power. Families' voices are heard in policy and program design.
Families find opportunities in their own communities to take leadership.
Every parent who needs help knows how to find and ask for assistance. In 1996 a group of Illinois parents and representatives from state agencies and organizations joined together to build more effective ways of involving parents in local and state decision-making bodies which impact children and families. Fundamental to the group's work was the understanding that families' voices are essential in developing effective programs and policies for children and their parents. The Parent Leadership Committee convened the first Illinois Parent Leadership Conference in March of 1997. Over 180 parent leaders representing a wide range of interests and groups attended the day and a half meeting designed to strengthen leadership skills and knowledge about issues affecting children and families throughout the state.