Parents Anonymous® Inc.

National Parent Leadership Month - Tool Kit

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Table of Contents

Everything in this Tool Kit is designed to assist your organization in promoting and gaining visibility for National Parent Leadership Month in your community. This is your opportunity to work closely with Parent Leaders to educate neighbors, colleagues, the media and public officials about National Parent Leadership Month.

I. Parent Leadership: An Overview
These resources will help you discuss and describe Parent Leadership. They can be used as flyers, as handouts, or given to the media to be used with stories about National Parent Leadership Month. One document describes specific examples of Parent Leadership and advocacy.
What is Parent Leadership? Who is a Parent Leader?	Page 5
20 Ways to Demonstrate Parent Leadership	Page 6
Pathways to Parent Leadership – Ten Steps to Success	Page 7
Parent Leaders as Strong Advocates	Page 8

II. National Parent Leadership Month: Overview and Activities
Key Campaign Messages and Talking Points	Page 9–10
This resource highlights the key messages and talking points about National Parent Leadership Month. Please review it carefully before communicating with the media, parents, community leaders, public officials, etc.
Identifying Potential Partners	Page 11
Collaboration is essential in any successful campaign. This resource provides examples of potential partners for your organization. Be sure to connect with your local Parents Anonymous® organization if one is available in your community.
Suggestions for Activities and Community Involvement	Page 12–13
These suggestions will help you let your community know about National Parent Leadership Month. This is your opportunity to collaborate with partners in educating the public about Parent Leadership as well as celebrating Parent Leaders. Activities such as contests, exhibits, workshops and recognition events can help make each February a celebration of Parent Leaders.
Parent Leaders and National Parent Leadership Month	Page 14
This is a list outlining some of the ways Parent Leaders can actively participate in National Parent Leadership Month events and activities.

III. Requesting Proclamations
Sample Letter to Public Officials	Page 15–16
This resource can be used to create a letter inviting elected public officials to participate in a National Parent Leadership Month event and/or to issue a proclamation.
Sample Proclamation	Page 17–18
Add credibility to your activities and generate media attention by encouraging your governor, mayor or other local official to proclaim February (Year) as National Parent Leadership Month in your state or local area. Use this sample proclamation and make it official!

IV. Preparing for Public Speaking/Interviews
Guidelines for Selecting and Preparing Parent Leaders to be Spokespersons	Page 19–20
This resource should be used when selecting Parent Leaders who will serve as spokespersons for National Parent Leadership Month in your area. It will help in preparing them for the experience of speaking in public and/or with the media.
Tips for Parent Leader Spokespersons	Page 21–22
This resource provides guidelines that will help Parent Leaders prepare for and understand all issues involved with public speaking or media interviews. Please copy and distribute this document to Parent Leaders who take on these important roles.
Tips for Television Appearances by Parent Leaders and Staff	Page 23
These are important tips for staff and Parent Leaders to review ahead of time when scheduled for a television appearance.
Proposed Media Questions	Page 24 –26
It is a good idea to send along suggested interview questions after you have scheduled a television or radio interview. This will be helpful to the producer and the interviewer and will help guide them in the direction you would like the interview to go. Always be prepared for questions that are not on the list.

V. Getting the Media’s Attention
Sample Press Release	Page 27–28
This resource can be used either on your organization’s Web site or in your newsletter. It can also be submitted to other organizations, businesses, etc. with a request that it run in their newsletters and/or be placed on their Web sites.
Sample Pitch Letters	Page 29–30
If your local radio or television stations have a morning show, a public affairs talk show, or other interview program, use this sample pitch letter to schedule an interview for a Parent Leader and staff person. There is also an example of a “real” pitch letter, which provides additional help. Call the station first to find out the name of the person who should receive the letter. It’s usually the producer of the program or news broadcast. Always follow up.
Sample Letters to the Editor	Page 31–32
The “Letters” page, which is often located in the commentary section of a newspaper, has wide appeal. Letters reflect the community and people read them. Take advantage of the opportunity to have a letter about Parent Leadership published in your local paper by using the enclosed sample as a guideline. There is also an example of a completed Letter to the Editor, which provides additional help. Call the paper to find out the name of the person to whom it should be sent and ask what the word limit is.
Sample Public Service Announcement Solicitation Letter	Page 33
This letter should accompany the sample Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and should be sent to the public affairs or program director at your local radio station. Call before sending it to determine the person responsible for the PSAs at each radio station.
Sample Public Service Announcements	Page 34–36
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) are a resource for nonprofit organizations. Radio stations in some communities require proof of your organization’s nonprofit status. Call your local radio station, and ask the name of the person to whom they should be sent, the lead time and whether or not they require proof of nonprofit status. Send the PSAs with the sample solicitation letter.

VI. Using Newsletters and Web Sites to Promote National Parent Leadership Month
Web Site/Newsletter Copy (Long)	Page 37
This resource can be used either on your organization’s web site or in your newsletter. It can also be submitted to other organizations, businesses, etc., with a request that it run in their newsletters and/or be placed on their web sites.
Web Site Copy (Short)	Page 38
Aweb site is always a great place to post messages. If space is limited, use this resource by placing it on your organization’s web site. Ask other organizations to place it on theirs if space limits do not allow for the longer web copy.

VII. Helpful Resources
Internet Resources Related to Children and Families	Page 39–40
The Internet resources listed here provide useful information related to children and families. Some content will be helpful in advocacy, public awareness, and strategic planning activities.
Parents Anonymous^® Inc. Background Information	Page 41–42
This will serve as a resource when Parents Anonymous^® Inc. background is needed.
Sample Certificate of Recognition for Parent Leader	Page 43
This is a special Certificate of Recognition that can be used to acknowledge parents as leaders. The certificate can be awarded to Parent Leaders at events or meetings
Sample Certificate of Recognition for Co-Sponsors and Other Organizations	Page 44
This is a special Certificate of Recognition that can be used to acknowledge Co-Sponsors and other organizations. The certificate can be awarded at events or meetings and may be used to generate media coverage.

VIII. Tool Kit Evaluation Survey
National Parent Leadership Month Tool Kit Evaluation Survey	Page 45–48
Please give us your feedback! Share your name, organization, the local events and activities you planned (including the partners who helped you), and any comments or suggestions you have. Fill out the form and mail it to Parents Anonymous® Inc. at 675 West Foothill Blvd., Ste 220, Claremont, CA 91711 or fax it to (909) 625-6304. You can also fill out the form online at www.parentsanonymous.org.